Everyone believes there’s a magic formula to winning on the horses - a fail-safe way to walk away from the racecourse with bags full of cash.

Plenty of seasoned punters will have theories they swear by or show you crumpled bits of paper with all kinds of mathematical wizardry.

These all might help tip the scales in your favour, but the bottom line is that nothing is certain when it comes to the sport of kings.

But don’t despair, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Scott Allen is on hand to give your betting journey a nudge in the right direction.

Whether you're betting at Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby, or just on a windy Tuesday in Redcar, these betting strategies could help you dust away some of the cobwebs in your wallet. 

For the uninitiated, horse racing can look like a wild world of strange jargon, complicated betting markets and people dressed in everything from fancy hats to Wellington boots.

It’s a lot more than placing a bet on the result of a handful of horses making their way round a race course. 

You can keep it that simple if you like, but that strategy is likely to drain your wallet very quickly.

Horse racing rarely takes a break. There’s always a race somewhere in the world at any one time. 

Whether it’s the Cheltenham Festival, The Grand National, Royal Ascot or the 3.47 at Plumpton on a wet Tuesday afternoon, understanding racing terminology is essential for confident betting and hopefully turning a profit.

If you are an experienced gambler or a newbie starting on your punting journey, there’s plenty to learn and discover.

This comprehensive guide by Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Scott Allen covers terms used online, trackside and in betting shops across the UK, Ireland and international markets.