The Sport of Kings

Most folks are familiar with the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, the three races of the Triple Crown, but horse racing is already in full force in April with races including Keeneland. Thousands of bettors wager millions of dollars each year on horse races, and Tennesseans can now participate with a number of sportsbooks. Here are some popular bets and what they mean so that you can join in on the fun! 

Now for the hard part. How do you pick a winning horse? Bettors, equestrians, breeders, trainers and more have used countless factors to create systems to determine a winning horse. Some experts say to look for the leaders by checking the trainers’ standings and jockeys competing. Others say to look for a calm horse who still has some spring in its step during the post parade (the walk to the gates before the race). A bucking horse may be wasting energy before the race, and a slow-moving horse may already be tired. No matter the preference, all will agree that any horse can win on any day.

Britton Headden

Keeping Score: Britton Headden is a born-and-raised Franklin local and Broker/Owner of Headden Home Real Estate. Britton has a lifetime love of basketball and other sports, including playing and coaching experience on all levels elementary through college.