It seems like horse racing tips no longer just apply on actual races in the racetrack as the Illinois Racing Board finally gave three companies to conduct online horse racing betting in the state. This means that avid horse racing fans need not leave their homes but could enjoy the same thrill at the comfort of their home in front of their personal computers.

Gamblers can now place bets through the websites approved by the board. They can make the transactions via phone, mobile gadgets or interactive television. In the past, bettors could only transact via an off-tract betting parlor or at the horse race track. However, in light with the decline in this particular industry, officials are finding ways to re-ignite interest by providing convenience to old-timers and new wagers.

The board officials stated that now is the right time to make changes in waging methods in order to reach out to the public.

Despite racing among male racing horses, Rachel Alexandra managed to outrace them all at Preakness Stakes recently. The challenge this time is for her to repeat the feat at an upcoming tournament in Oceanport, New Jersey.

The female racing horse will compete at the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, a $1.25 million event that takes place this week. This will be attended by only the best riders and racing horses from all over the country. Tough competitors include Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, Papa Clem and Munnings.

Horse owner Jess Jackson said that the prestigious event will be a tough one to win since past champions are expected to participate. However, the spectators will be treated with exciting competitions. Even if Rachel Alexandra won’t win, Jackson said that it won’t be something to be embarrassed about because there are a lot of great racing horses participating in this tournament.

The overwhelming support at the Monmouth Park sparks hope of the revival of the horse racing industry despite the global financial crisis.

Reports have revealed declining revenues in these types of races which prompted racing venues to add slot machines and come up with racinos.

Financial crisis and competition from neighboring states were the main reasons specified by Churchill Downs Inc. President Bob Evans during a press conference attended by almost all of the racetrack operators in the state of Kentucky on Wednesday, thereby confirming the decline of racing horses.

Evans said during the start of the conference that the problem is very much obvious as all people arrive at the conference “without any horses” at a “beautiful Wednesday.”

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission granted the cutting of seven horse racing dates to Churchill Downs and lesser competing players forced the operators to conduct races to only four per week.

Neighboring states such as Indiana are now becoming a threat to the horse racing industry as slot machines bloom in those areas where it promises bigger payouts to the clients. This prompted the operators in the state to propose to have expanded gambling in the state.

The attendance of the operators signifies the support for expanding gambling in Kentucky. However, the proposal faces a staunch opponent in the person of Senate President David Williams. There are still no indications if the horse racing industry will remain lucrative with the presence of slot machines in racetracks.

One of the biggest UK-based bookmaker William Hill reported an increase in net revenues despite the global financial crisis that has affected most businesses.

According to reports, the company reported an increase of 6.5 percent during the first quarter compared to the same time frame last year.

William Hill reasoned that favorable horse racing results boosted the net revenues. One notable win was the 100-1 win by Mon Mome at the Grand National. The online betting revenues soared more than 50 percent, thanks to several factors – including acquisitions.

Last April’s horse racing results effectively offset the poor booking revenue results a month before. The cause for the decline at that time was due to the cancellation of several races due to bad weather and several customers have decided to switch to other bookmakers.

William Hill reportedly raised about 350 million pounds from shareholder in a rights issue. The company revealed that the declining credit markets made it difficult to refinance the debts.

With the positive surge in revenues this period, the company is optimistic about favorable horse racing results in the coming months. William Hill currently has more than 2,000 shops in Irish Republic and United Kingdom.

British horse riders are busily preparing themselves for an important dressage event this weekend – the Saumur CDIO which takes place at le Cadre Noir in France. Leading the British team are Olympians Carl Hester and Jane Gregory.

Hester, who hails from Gloucestershire, will ride 16.2hh bay gelding Liebling II while Gregory of Wiltshire will ride Lucky Star. Joining the two are Richard Barrett (Hampshire) and Stephanie Croxford (Derbyshire).

Here are the other British riders that will compete in other dressage events:

CDI Big Tour – Emma Hindle, Judy Harvey and Fiona Bigwood
CDI Small Tour – Dane Rawlins, Emma Hindle, Judy Harvey, Carl Hester, Henriette Andersen
CDIY – Lara Griffith, Charlie Hutton and Rebecca Drane
CDIJ – Alexandria Barr, Phillipa Hutton,
CDIP – Eliza Mason, Georgina Starkie and Fiona Wood

The British dressage team has always been a fierce competitor in this annual event. Hester has won several events in last year’s edition. This will make him the person to beat in this prestigious competition.

Last September, Hester clinched the grand prix honors at Saumur riding Liebling II with a score of 71.16. At that time, he’s taken over the said ride from Anna Rose-Davis for about three weeks. He credited Davis for the outstanding training program.

Online casino and gambling are no longer a secret to many and with this trend becoming more and more popular these days, racing has probably gotten behind the game. However, just like any competition, horse racing games should go along with the flow so do not be surprised to find out that there are now horse racing games online!

Before going any further, how are the horse racing games on Web doing? Are these games competing head to head with the rest of online sports, casino and gambling games?

Those who are keeping their fingers crossed and hope that they could enjoy playing horse racing games online would agree that it is the trend now but others believe the opposite thing. Most casino and online game site owners believe that horse racing games are unfortunately not customer-driven, innovative and fresh, but at least they aren’t played in cigarette stained smokey rooms anymore.

Of course, it’s too early to tell. Who knows? Other online gambling and online casino games started this way. Criticisms, detractions – but look at where they are now! For sure, horse racing games better’s have place in the Internet. Just wait for the trend, the system and of course for the best site!

The championships for barrel racing horses have finally opened upon the arrival of the Washington Barrel Racing Association in the city on October 11, Saturday morning. The barrel racers were welcomed with a parade of horse trailers along with Washington’s most talented cowgirls.

The WBRA is this year’s host for the annual state championship for barrel racers. The championship took place at the ground of the Ritzville Rodeo for two days, October 11 and 12.

150 competitors converged on this year’s barrel racing horses’ championship and they faced each other head to head as all these competitors were ready to show off their skills in the said competition but this weekend was the most exciting as only those running for the top spots in their division were featured. Karla Gust, WBRA’s outgoing president and U.S. Bank Ritzville branch manager later confirmed that the event featured only the top riders in the state.

The first race for the 2009 season officially began on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. and the third race, also a part of the 2009 season race began the next day at 11 a.m. The best thing about this year’s event is that the admission to the entire barrel racing horses’ competition is free to the public.

Horse racing is long time and honored event. People of every gender and financial standing have the right to place their bets on the horse they think will win. Newcomers to the races are also encouraged to place their bets and make use of their ‘beginners luck’.

Luck aside, if you want to improve your chances of winning, you should consider these factors when betting on a horse at the races.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING HORSES – the more horses there are in the race, the lesser your chance of winning. So, if you do find yourself in a horse race with more horses than you care for. It’s safer if you pick one with a good history. You could also always go for the crowd favorite.

THE LAST TIME THAT THE HORSE RAN – When picking out a horse you should consider the last time that horse raced. Too soon and the horse may be too tired to give its best. If this is the horse’s first race of the day, it may not do so well. Look for a horse that has had enough rest. It is also best to bet on a horse that has already run a race or two that day. Also, avoid betting on a horse that has already run too many races.