Horse racing is one of the rare sports that has the power to transcend through time, with legends of yesteryear fondly remembered by those that watched standout performances with the tales passed down through generations.
The sport has the uncanny ability to write stories that even Hollywood directors would believe to be too far fetched.
For many, expanding your knowledge surrounding the sport is vitally important to gaining a better understanding as to what is required when making bets on the action.
That can come in a number of different forms, whether it is reading up on legendary stories from horses of years gone by or learning more about life as a professional gambler from those that have been involved in the sport.
For example, you can read articles like this from experts: twinspires.com/betting-guides/beginners-guide-betting-horse-racing/
However, if you’re looking to expand your knowledge on the sport of horse racing, what are some of the books that must rank toward the top of your must-buy lists?
Contents
Betting For A Living- Nick Mardin
There are few more tailored books surrounding horse racing that could have a deep impact on bettors than Nick Mardin’s release ‘Betting For A Living’. The book was released in 1992, and Mardin goes through in detail how he was able to take £1,000 per month off his local bookies.
His story is one that bettors need to understand in order to make more informed wagers, as he made his fortune simply by only wagering his money on bank holidays and weekends.
Mardin goes into detail surrounding his strategy for making his money, and the reasons behind why he made each bet. The author claims that the book won’t ‘turn you into a professional gambler’, but it will give you the insight to become one.
The Definite Guide to Betting on Horses- Nick Pulford
If there was ever a book that is a standout choice for newcomers to the sport, then it is ‘The Definite Guide to Betting on Horses’.
It was first published in 2004, and has been a trusted resource for many newcomers looking to understand more about what is required to find winners on a regular basis when gambling on horse racing.
The book includes expert views from many industry experts from the Racing Post. Tom Segal offers his insight in the book, and his focus is finding value in the markets for big Classics on the calendar and the major Festivals.
Furthermore, the book includes detailed insights into how to bet accurately in popular markets within the sport, while there are also in-depth explanations surrounding the betting exchanges and how to read form including speed ratings.
It Can Be Done- Kevin Blake
There are perhaps few more popular horse racing experts across the world than Kevin Blake. So much so, that he has achieved great success since joining the backroom staff at Joseph O’Brien’s operation, leading to a golden period for the yard, which included victory in the King George Chase on Boxing Day with Banbridge.
Blake’s release ‘It Can Be Done’ offers a shoulder-view as life as a professional gambler, highlighting the highs and lows within the sport when betting on racing. The award-winning journalist challenges the narrative that the bookies always come out on top in this book, as he looks to make a living as a professional gambler.
It is a perfect read for any bettor on the sport, regardless of whether you’re a big or small bettor, or just getting involved in the sport from an infant stage. Released in 2014, it remains one of the most popular horse racing books on the market, and ensures that all bettors are aware that there are no limitations when gambling on racing.
The Sure Thing- Nick Townsend
Nick Townsend’s 2014 release ‘The Sure Thing’ is one of the most popular horse racing books available on the market. The title follows the story of Barney Curley, who proves that the bookies don’t always win.
Curley was a fearless bettor, and would set records for the amount of money won in a single day at the racing. On one given day, Curley would reach £100,000 in returns just from following his judgement.
His most famous gamble would occur in the summer of 1975, as he wagered big on a horse called Yellow Sam to win the equivalent of £2 million in today’s money. The book follows Curley as he attempts to recapture the magic from that day, looking to take on bookies in this modern day that attempt to thwart any attempts of a big-scale victory.
This book is one of the most popular in the modern day, as it shows Curley’s struggles and story surrounding the preparation and his plans that went into one of the biggest organised gamblers in the sport of horse racing across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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