Whilst it has largely become a social occasion, horse racing’s origins are in the thrill of the competition. Many attend a race meet yet seldom see outside of a marquee, let alone an actual horse, unless it finds itself cleverly disguised as a canapé on a charcuterie platter. Then there’s the other cohort for whom the spirit of racing and whose enthusiasm for backing a winner can overtake the confines of politesse into red-faced bellowing at jockeys and their steeds, in an all-out fist-shaking, spittle-spraying, repugnant display of testosterone. And that’s just the women.

Having a flutter on the fillies is as much a part of horse racing as is champagne, crustacea and convoluted chapeaux, and while winning big is applauded, bawdy behaviour is discouraged.

Here are our top five tips for ladylike and gentlemanly betting:

1. Do your research. Form guides make a wonderful resource for informed betting, however, they can appear daunting to the novice. Ask a friend who is a keen punter to explain what the facts and figures mean, how odds work and what their tactics are. Most will be only too pleased to explain their strategy as the only true competitor in horse racing is the bookmaker. Take their advice and do with it as you will. There is no such thing as a safe bet, so throw caution to the wind and trust your instinct.
2. Don’t sulk. Winning isn’t everything, so if you’re unsuccessful, move onto the next race or simply walk away.
3. Don’t gloat. Speaking about money is common, and boasting about one’s winnings even more so. If you do back a winner, celebrate quietly to yourself, collect your winnings and remain coy. Shouting your friends a round of drinks or a nice meal is a nice gesture but not essential.
4. Remain orderly. Whether trackside or at the bookies’ it might be tempting to behave boisterously in the heat of the moment, but composure is far more becoming. Remain conscious of those around you, stay in queues when collecting winnings and take the high ground if those around you are not as courteous.
5. If you can’t afford to bet, don’t. A windfall might seem appealing, but when you can’t even afford your cab fare home it’s time to hang up your betting boots and start looking for loose change on the turf!

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