Ainslie's Complete Guide to Thoroughbred Racing

by Tom Ainslie

For the millions of fans who have made thoroughbred racing one of the most popular spectator sports in America, here is the first encyclopedia of Thoroughbred handicapping. This is a first edition and it gives the racing fan what Charles Goren gave the bridge player - a comprehensive, unerringly accurate, crystal-clear review of a great game and how to play it well.

Genres: Horse Racing, Sports, Horses

493 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Roger Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is likely the bible of serious handicappers, but the style is ponderous, encyclopedic. But I will give Ainsle his due. The guy knew horses and horse racing like no one else.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those that enjoy going to the thoroughbred races and betting on the ponies, this is a great start at making handicapping understandable. Goes through the entire process of evaluating horses and riders and races to give one a feel for which horse might have the best chance. While no handicapping system is perfect, this book at least gives you a feel for the information in the program. Ainslie also wrote a companion volume on harness racing.

[Jonathan Karmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're going to spend any time at the track, it's worth reading this book in order to understand how people attempt to win money betting on horses. Unfortunately, the house takes such a big cut that it's very hard to beat the odds, even if you are better than the other players (the other bettors).