Everyone starts somewhere. I still remember my first few days at the races, feeling excited but slightly overwhelmed by everything going on around me. There was so much to take in, and it took time to understand how the sport really worked.
After more than 20 years of following horse racing, I’ve learned that it’s far more enjoyable once you understand the basics. This section of the site is designed for anyone who’s new to racing, curious about the sport, or simply looking to fill in a few gaps in their knowledge.
There’s no pressure to learn everything at once. Horse racing is something you grow into, and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.
How Horse Racing Works in the UK
UK horse racing has its own structure, traditions and terminology. At first, it can feel complicated, but the foundations are actually quite straightforward.
In this hub, I explain:
- The different types of horse racing in the UK
- How race meetings are organised
- What happens before, during and after a race
- How horses progress through their careers
Everything is explained in plain English, without jargon where possible.
Flat Racing & National Hunt Racing
One of the first distinctions new racing fans come across is the difference between flat racing and National Hunt racing. Over the years, I’ve come to enjoy both for very different reasons.
This section explains how each type of racing works, when it takes place during the year, and what makes each one unique.
Understanding the Basics
Once you understand a few core ideas, the sport starts to make much more sense. These beginner guides cover topics such as:
- Race distances and track layouts
- Age groups and categories
- Race classes and levels
- Common horse racing terms and phrases
You don’t need to memorise everything. These are guides you can return to whenever something isn’t clear.
Racecourses & First-Time Visits
For many people, their introduction to horse racing comes through a visit to a racecourse. That first day out can be unforgettable.
I link beginner guides throughout this site to individual racecourse pages, helping you understand what to expect when you arrive and how different courses can feel.
Why I Created This Section
Horse racing has a reputation for being difficult to understand, but I don’t think it needs to be. Most racing fans I’ve met over the years are more than happy to share their knowledge and help newcomers find their feet.
This hub is my contribution to that tradition. If it helps make your first few race days more enjoyable, then it’s done exactly what I hoped it would.