How to Look Ballin’ at Woodbine

There’s so much to consider when betting on a horse – like which one to pick.

Jay Willmot courtesy of Christy Prada

Jay Willmot is no stranger to race horses. Working with them on his farm, and at Woodbine, he knows generally what to be looking out for before he makes a bet. But now that we’ve picked his brain, we’ll share with you those key points, as well as the rule of thumb about how to behave should you find yourself sitting in the members lounge. Giddy-up.

Pony: What are the factors you look at before betting on a horse?

Jay: The odds on a particular horse are parimutuel so they aren’t always a good indicator of who will actually win; just who the majority of betters think will win. Past performance is your best chance if you don’t know the horses personally.  Look at where they normally race, what distance, what surface, and what conditions they normally are good in. Also, sometimes they’ve already raced against certain horses in the race and have achieved a particular result.  But that being said, horses are just like athletes and can change in condition over a period of time, as well as have on and off days. Throwing darts have been known to be a good option at times!

Pony: Is there any importance to the colour, number, or jersey on a horse jockey?

Jay: No not really… The post position makes a difference though. You don’t want your horse too close to the rail or too far out to the side. Somewhere in the middle is best because it gives them room off of the rail for the start but lets them get there easier than from the outside for a turn.

Pony: What are the types of bets you can make and which one do you prefer?

Jay: There are two categories: straight up bets & exotics. Straight up bets include win (horse must come first), place (horse must win first or second), show (must be first, second, or third). Exotic bets consist of: the “exacta” or “perfecta” which is when you pick two horses to win and place (1st & 2nd). The “triactor” or “trifecta” is when you pick three horses to win, place, and show (1st, 2nd, 3rd). And the “superfecta” is when you pick the first four horses to pass the finish line. In the right order. I personally like swinging for the fences.. Superfecta baby.  The best part about this betting style is it’s consistency.

Pony: Is there a higher importance on the jockey vs. the horse he/she rides? How much is luck?

Jay: Luck is always important in anything. But between the jockey and the horse I would say its 75% horse 25% jockey.

Pony: So once we’ve made our bets, what’s the etiquette if we’re in the members lounge? Or outside?

Jay: Wherever you are I would suggest behaving as aggressively as possible haha.  At Woodbine you should dress smarter the higher the floor you’re on. That’s the general rule. And perhaps don’t brag too much about your winnings. You don’t want to get jacked in the parking lot (those valet parking attendants, they’re a nasty bunch!).

Pony: How is a racing horse different to the horses we ride?

Jay: Racing horses have a big ego.

Pony: O.k.. So what’s your response to those who think horse racing is a cruel sport for the animal?

Jay: I’d suggest they try camel racing instead.

Pony: Do you believe in withholding the traditional side of horse racing or should this sport be modernized.

Jay: I like horse racing the way it is, however there’s been some talk of modernization.  The only thing holding people back is disagreement over where to put the engine.

Pony: On the horse? Good gracious. Lastly, what’s your favourite horse name of all time?

Jay: “Bag of Hammers” – He lived up to his name.

– The Cowboys