Have you seen those "Go Baby Go" TV commercials with Lori Petty? Do you wonder what kind of people go to the races? My own 10-year-old daughter said she'd be afraid to go if she thought she'd end up sitting next to someone who acted like Lori Petty in those commercials.

So what kind of people do YOU think go to the track? Cigar-chewing old men, reading cryptic-looking papers, talking to each other in terms you don't understand? Or desparate, alcoholic compulsive gamblers? Or rowdy college students cutting class? Or is it a sport for the rich and well-bred, people with money to burn, who sip champagne between races?

IMHO, the misconceptions about the clientele may well be what keeps a lot of otherwise interested people away. So who DOES go to the track? All of the above...and more. Families? Sure, why not? I plan on taking my kids sometime this year. Yes, we'll see the wealthy sipping champagne, and the college kids guzzling beer, but we'll also be in the company of a lot of people like ourselves--middle-class, average Joes with jobs and kids and a mortgage, out for a day of fun.

If you think a day at the races sounds like fun, then GO!! Take the family, and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors in the sunshine. Take a walk to the paddock, and watch the horses being saddled...place a few bets...just soak up the excitement! You can have as much fun in the grandstand as the champagne crowd is having in the clubhouse. You don't have to be a pro, you don't even have to know how to read a racing form, you don't have to understand the lingo to have a good time. If I could ever clear up any 1 misconception about horse racing, it would be that it's a sport for the wealthy and the professional handicappers. I don't fall into either category, yet I have a blast every time I go.

Still not sure if you wanna go? Check this out:

Ever since I came up with the idea for this site, I wanted to make it newbie-friendly so everyone can enjoy the sport of Thoroughbred racing. I thought about writing tutorials on racing forms, track lingo, etc., but found that it would a) take forever and b) not be nearly as good as what's already out there. So my Newbie Section now only consists of links to the pages that I thought were the most informative and easy to read of the bunch. Please feel free to ask me anything; I promise I'll answer if I can possibly help (or I'll try to find someone who can).

DRF's Glossary of Racing Terms A very comprehensive list; really, more than most newbies need to know right away *grin*
Picking Winners 101 An excellent collection of online "classes" covering everything from reading a racing form to speed and pedigree handicapping and wagering strategies.
Handicapping 101 Easy-to-read monthly articles to help you understand the science of handicapping.
Introduction to Wagering Excellent info on exotic wagering.
Ontario Jockey Club Go to the "All About Racing" section for lots of helpful newbie advice.