racecards

Racecards are published schedules that list all races at a given racing meeting, providing the information needed by bettors, officials, and participants. In horse racing, a racecard presents the day's program for the track, including the order of events, race names, and essential details about each race.

A typical racecard includes: for each race, the race number, name, distance, surface, class or grade, prize money, track conditions, and age or other restrictions. The field shows each runner with horse name, trainer, jockey, weight carried, and often the barrier draw. Withdrawals, late changes, and start times may appear as updates.

Purpose and use: Racecards function as the official schedule and reference for the meeting, aiding betting markets by providing information on form and entries, and serving as a historical record for the result. They are used by commentators, journalists, punters, trainers, and stable staff.

Publication and formats: Racecards have traditionally been printed programs but are now widely available online and via mobile apps. They are updated to reflect declarations, weight changes, and late withdrawals; many bookmakers publish provisional cards before final declarations and then issue finalized versions on race day.

Variants: The term is used across racing codes and regions; while content varies by country, racecards generally share the core structure of listing races, entrants, and key details. They help readers compare races and make informed selections.