When it comes to viewing horse racing, there are many individuals who enjoy watching the horses and jockeys perform their talents. The majority of us, however, do it because we want to bet on the outcome of certain events whether that’s getting bet365’s new offer or setting up your own accumulators, anticipating making money as a result of our own analytical ability.
First things first
When it comes to determining whether or not jockeys and trainers are allowed to wager on horse races, the first thing to consider is that they are handled differently by the business. While a trainer’s abilities can have a significant impact on a horse’s capabilities, the long-term effect is more of a choice in how and when to train it as well as what to do with it.
Trainers can’t affect a race in the same way that jockeys can, since jockeys are on the back of a horse and have control over how much or little to push it and when to do so. It’s simple to assume jockey bets solely for the purpose of winning, but they may also bet against themselves and their charge, which might lead to problems.
Rules for trainers
Let’s start by looking at those trainers, learning what the actual rules are for their rights and ability to wager on races in which they’re involved. The fact is that winning races doesn’t provide a lot of money for most trainers. Instead, it’s the actual cost charged to owners for training that keeps them in profit each year.
Jockey Club announce no betting on your own horse
That isn’t to say they’ll do so by betting. In 2003, the Jockey Club ruled that owners, trainers, and even stable workers would be prohibited from betting against their own steeds. The state’s supreme court ruled that laying a horse is now legal due to the increase in betting exchanges, which allow for placing horses.
Is this rule followed?
The ban was not that effective. In fact, the British Horseracing Authority has had to rule on several instances of owners administering their own horses, as indicated by the quote above. Darren Mercer laying Joss Naylor in the 2003 Welsh National, knowing that the horse would not run, is a case of conduct unbecoming. It’s not uncommon for events such as this to happen.
What about jockeys?
The rules for jockeys are much more obvious. Rather than wondering if it’s OK for jockeys to wager on horses they’re riding, the British Horseracing Authority has a blanket rule that says they can’t bet on events in which they’re participating. The BHA’s official position on the subject is as follows:
No betting for races they ride in
The most common reason for this is that jockeys have a considerably more immediate effect on the outcome of a race than anyone else. Given that valets may set up equipment incorrectly, and they are subjected to the same regulations as jockeys, the only other people in the same categories are valets.
Some individuals make the case that racing betting rules are based on snobbery. A horse trainer used to be from the landed gentry, which meant they were well-trusted by the establishment. Jockeys, on the other hand, would have been assumed to be less intelligent and trustworthy. Of course, this is pure speculation.
