The thunderous sound of hooves on the dirt track, the vibrant colors of the jockeys' silks, and the intense struggle for the lead as the horses race through the final bend are the elements that create a palpable, breathless excitement unique to horse racing. It's a sport that brings out the raw power, elegance, and the element of surprise in a way that few other sporting events can.

When the gate starts, and a person enters the racetrack territory, the atmosphere is charged with a joyful spirit of the upcoming events and opportunities. Every day, people mix with society’s elite; business people run betting tickets and newspapers containing forms. The aroma of clover and leather combines the smell of cigars and the delicious odor of track cuisine.

You approach the paddock to get an excellent vantage point of the shiny, muscular horses, who are being taken through their paces in circles around it. The fur shines under the sun as their ears lay flat, listening to the rising anticipation in their surroundings.

When they call out ‘Post!’ you rise quickly to secure your place at the rail as the horses are paraded on the racetrack. The jockeys in their bright-colored silks with different owners’ numbers on trim look professional as they gracefully climb up their horses that prance, eager for the race under them.

Most people going to the racetrack have a chance to see track announcers who give information about each horse and jockey and expert handicappers who give betting advice right before the start of the race. There is an increasing sense of tension with each passing second.

Starting gates

The sound of the starting gates opening signals the onset of rapid galloping movements of the racehorses. Jockeys sit primly on their respective horses, their legs tensed down and their hands clutching the straps of the reins as they prod the horses on for some final thrust.

The horses puff, and steam starts flying from their mouths as the tiny front hooves kick the ground violently. During the fight for position, which is intense at times, one is as into the turns as the race cars, fascinated by the race. A race that has no time yet seems to drag on…

Each time the winner breaks the tape, sounds of joy come from people who were lucky in their bets. Yet, there remains a palpable energy; your heart pounds with the lingering tension of the play. This is the enchanting spell that horse racing has, and anything linked to this sport is magical.

Although going to the track can never be entirely replaced, fans today can enjoy some of those thrills from the comfort of their homes through online racebooks. Live streaming video of the races means you can view tracks from all over the globe through your laptop and bet on them. It makes it even easier for players to play on their own time without necessarily being influenced by other factors, calculate probabilities, and control their betting capital.

One drawback is that it does not give you the feeling of being in grandstands – on the other hand, it is a unique opportunity to watch races at the tracks you might not even get to physically.

While free money bonuses for newcomers and other exclusive events, such as money back for second place in a race, online betting has made the Sport of Kings even more appealing in today’s society. And finally, don’t forget the delicious mint juleps!