complete beginer here

[project punter]

I'm new to this forum, been having a casual bet on the horses since the close of the football season and it's kind of got me hooked a bit. I've been using tips to date because i have no knowldege of racing at all.

I'd really like to be able to undertsand the mechanics to picking horses so I can put myself in a position whereby I only have myself to blame when they lose!

I've looked for books and such that could set me on my way, but theres so much out there its hard to see whats worth reading and whats a waste of time. If anyone could recommend a few books or resources for a complete and utter novice I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in advance.

[hotspur]

there is one very,very good book that you should read but the title escapes me.
I have a copy so will look for it(though I cant remember seeing it for quite some time!).

I am pretty sure its a racing post product but its not the last book they produced on betting on horses.

I dont bet on horses cos it seems clear to me that its too hard to make money unless you spend years gaining an expertise on one area.either that or find the best tipsters and pay em.

[hotspur]

okie dokie,
found the book very quickly.
its called secrets of successful betting,by michael adams.raceform appears to be the publisher.
NOW,dont get the wrong idea.you dont get to learn how to make money from betting from reading one(or many)books.
a good book,points you in the right direction and,most importantly,gives you a very good idea of how hard it is to make more than say 5% profit a year from betting and how much time you need to invest.
this book is just a starter...but very recomended

[hotspur]

btw,since you have also asked for footie betting advice,I would say(and,of course this is just my opinion)
dont waste your valuable time trying to make money betting on horses.
concentrate all your efforts on sports markets.
even better,learn all you can about how long-term markets work!!
ANYONE can make a profit from long-term (sports) markets once they understand a few things......BUT only a tiny minority ever figure out how to make money from horses

[hotspur]

hmm,only managed to find 1 review of the book and it had 1 or 2 criticisms.

the book doesnt talk about exchanges- I think its very good for basic understanding of betting markets and has some interesting things to say.