When it comes to horse racing there are few parts of the world that offer more exciting action than Canada. One of the major tracks in the country offers both thoroughbred and harness racing action. Although the racing season there is briefer than the one in some other locations, the live horse racing Canada provides is filled with competitive racing, big wagering pools, and multiple betting opportunities.
Large and Small Horse Racing Tracks
The presence of horse racing tracks in Canada has been a fixture in the country for many years. Over time, two race tracks have emerged as major circuits. These are Woodbine and Fort Erie. While the larger tracks get the bulk of the action of live horse racing Canada offers, the smart handicapper will not want to neglect the smaller tracks.
Many of the small racetracks in Canada are harness tracks. These tracks feature standardbred racing. In this type of racing the horse pulls a sulky which is attached to the horse by a harness. A driver sits in the sulky and guides the horse through the stages of the race.
While harness racing can be a fun sport to wager on, the smaller harness tracks are most often local affairs that do not receive coverage at online racebooks. The only way to bet many of these racetracks is to visit them in person. That can be inconvenient for many bettors who may not have the means to travel to Canada. A better betting strategy is to watch and wager on the major tracks with an online racebook.
Betting Live Horse Racing in Canada Online
Some of the most popular online racebooks that offer live horse racing from Canada are BetAmerica, TwinSpires, and Bovada. Any of these online racebooks will give you access to Woodbine, Fort Erie, and selected harness tracks. The betting menu that you can access is the exact same one that you would find at the live racetrack.
The online racebooks that offer Canada horse racing are tied into the same betting pools that are found on the track. This means that you can take advantage of the big bets like the Pick 6 which give you the chance to win very large jackpots.
Things to Know About Canada Live Horse Racing
Before you make the decision to open your online racebook account and start betting on races in Canada, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost is the fact that thoroughbred racing in Canada is no different from the sport as it is found in places like the US, Australia, and Hong Kong.
Live horse races in Canada are conducted on a racing oval which can be a mile or more in length. A smaller grass track may rest inside the dirt oval for turf racing. In some cases, there are tracks which have the grass course outside the dirt track. The popularity of grass racing in Canada is reflective of the European influence on the sport. In most areas of Europe the majority of horse races are contested on the grass.
The horses which compete in Canada at flat tracks are all thoroughbreds. This means that each horse can trace its lineage to one of three original stallions. All horses must have a verified pedigree in order to compete on the Canada race tracks.
Jockeys in Canada are subjected to the same general requirements that govern American jockeys. They must maintain a very low weight, typically 112 pounds or so. They are also permitted to use a minimum of racing equipment which includes a saddle and a whip. These items are factored into the riding weight that is listed for each horse. On average, the weight of a jockey’s equipment is about four pounds.
Trainers in Canada must pass licensing requirements before they are allowed to compete at Canadian horse racing tracks. They must demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of horse racing before a license is granted. Owners are also required to be licensed before they can enter their horses in racing events.
Live Horse Racing Conditions in Canada
The conditions under which horses race in Canada are much the same as they are in other areas of the world. Races are conducted at specific distances that are measured by furlongs. A furlong is 1/8 of a mile. Horse that run at distances of more than 7 furlongs are considers to be route or distance runners. Those who run at 7 furlongs or less are considered to be sprinters. A few horses excel at both routes and sprints.
There are also class restrictions in Canada horse racing that are designed to keep races competitive. There are claiming races, maiden races, allowance races, and group or stakes events. Only the best horses are entered in stakes races in Canada. Horses that fall into the claiming ranks are generally the least talented on the circuit.
Live horse racing Canada is overseen by racing officials known as stewards. These individuals are responsible for making sure that all of the rules of racing are followed to the letter. When a trainer or jockey breaks the rules, there are penalties.
Are you ready to try betting on live horse racing in Canada? You can do that when you sign up for an online racebook account. Check out the online racebooks that EZ Horse Betting recommends. You will find that some of them will even reward you with a bonus when you make your first deposit.
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