People who enjoy horse racing may ask each way what it means, and there may be several answers. Here’s the definitive guide to each way, along with some stats and interesting trivia.
Early Bird
The “early bird” entry method gives horse lovers the opportunity to enter a horse race well before the general public. This may be particularly advantageous if you want to ensure that you get a good seat from which to view the race. You may also get an advantage by entering early if the track is already pre-selected for your horse to run in. If you do not get a good seat in the general admission area, you may miss out on the opportunity to see the entire race. Also, if the weather is bad and you are not prepared for inclement weather, the early bird entry may be your best option. If you are concerned about missing the start of the race, you may consider using an advanced entry method so that you do not have to worry about missing the beginning of the event. This will also save you from having to wait in line to enter the race later on (unless, of course, the line is particularly long).
Exacta
If you have a nag that you think can run in the exacta (the combination of first three places), you may go with this option as it allows you to enter multiple horses in one race. If you do not have three horses to enter in one race, you can always go for two or four, with the understanding that you will have to pay additional fees.
Fee-less
Some horse races do not have any entrance fees associated with them. However, this does not mean that you will not be charged for parking or something else. You will have to figure out how you are going to pay for all of this as soon as you enter the gate. The parking fee at some tracks can be rather high, so it is important to find out what charges you will need to pay before you arrive at the racecourse. You will also need to keep in mind that the horses are owned by people and they have a right to ask for fees whenever they want. This applies particularly if you do not live within the United States and you visit the track occasionally.
Hot Cocktail Mixing
This option is for those who want to enjoy a night out while also participating in horse racing. The term “cocktail” refers to an alcoholic drink that is mixed with various fruit juices and sometimes with other types of liquor as well. The drink can be served in different ways, including chilled, room temperature, or hot. You can also make your own custom cocktails for the occasion. While it is nice to have cocktails served at a professional level, it is always more fun to make them yourself. This is especially fun when you bring a friend or family member along to help you mix the drinks. You can also bring snacks, such as mini-pizzas, potato chips, and peanuts, to munch on while you watch the race.
Inside Information
If you want to get “inside information” on a horse race, you may try asking a bookie or a betting person who specializes in horse racing. If you are looking to place a wager on a particular horse or race, this person may have some information that can help you make the right choice. Be careful though, as a large number of people in the horse racing betting industry may be involved in some form of betting manipulation – commonly called “tipping” or “coursing” (when multiple horses are allowed to race against each other while sharing chances of winning). While there are many honest bookies, it is not always easy to determine whether someone is being trustworthy or not, so you should proceed with caution when requesting information from them.
Laissez-Faire
The “laissez-faire” entry method is relatively common in French speaking countries, particularly Quebec. This method allows participants to enter a horse race without the need for an application or a credit card. You will simply need to provide an ID badge that proves you are at least 18 years old. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy a day at the races without the need to spend large amounts of money on expensive applications or annual fees. Just make sure that you are a legal resident of Quebec (most likely a Canadian citizen) so that you do not have to worry about paying additional fees at the border
Of course, there is more than one way to enter a horse race. For instance, you may choose to enter your horse directly through an agent or broker, or you may enter it through an online form that is processed by a third party. There are pros and cons to each method, so it is important to figure out what works best for you. However, if you are looking for an excuse to spend a day at the races, these methods can all be useful.