the spirit of US racing

hello there, no it's not 'normal'...did you check to see if it was declared a 'runner'?...in the states they will actually declare a horse a 'non-runner' if circumstances warrant it, unlike over here.

i've been 'playing' the North American racing for a number of years and i find it great fun...good luck.

thanks milan.  It was declared a 'runner'. Like you I enjoy the stateside action, but wanted a bit of insight as to what to expect, as it seems to me that the races tend to follow a strategic 'pattern'....enjoying it so far but sometimes frustrated as hell!

i find it's best to pick 2 maybe 3 tracks to play and concentrate on those...playing too many tracks will make you dizzy and will soon empty your pockets.

also try and choose tracks where they give a good pre-race analysis and you have video of the paddock and post parades...i find Woodbine have an excellent punter-friendly presentation and it's my fav track along with Turfway Park and Hawthorne, which are both 'off' at the moment.
http://www.woodbineentertainment.com/Woodbine/Video/Pages/Videos.aspx

goldersncc - glad to hear your enjoying yourself. I have been doing the US racing for donkeys years now, I tend to find it easier to read than UK/Ire racing. 

Keep your enjoyment up & never be afarid to ask anything on the forum.  (Good bunch of people with a wealth of knowledge)

Best keep away from the big tracks. I like Turf Paradise and Mountaineer personally.
You'll find a lot more jockeys do fall off during dirt races. Sometimes due to tight turns but mainly,I think,cos horses are more likely to take false steps on the surface. There are also not really enough competent jockeys to go round imo. Mind you that's true of GB these days.

Thanks all for your replies.  Having a bit more luck now so am keeping the faith!  Good luck