What is Off The Bridle? Off The Bridle Explained in 2 minutes
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
31/03/2021
A horse that is off the bridle has run out of energy and lost contact with the jockey using the bit and reins. In effect, the jockey has lost control and cannot influence how a horse runs.
A runner that is off the bridle will struggle to beat horses still on the bridle. However, some horses can stay on and beat tiring horses. Being off the bridle does not mean the race cannot be won but such a horse is relying on other horses weakening and taking advantage.
Once a horse is off the bridle it is difficult to get the horse back on the bridle and be competitive in a race. It is clear if a horse has come off the bridle because the jockey is struggling to exert control. To learn more about horse racing have a look at our horse racing strategy guide.
How is Off The Bridle Fit used in Sports Betting?
Horse racing is fundamentally a betting sport and backers of a horse will watch intently during a race. It can be obvious from the stands or from watching on television if a horse is still in contention.
Jumps races are generally longer distances than flat races so a horse is more likely to come off the bridle. In sprints on the flat horses don’t generally come off the bridle because the races are short. A horse can be going well but then reaches a limit of stamina and comes off the bridle, and a tired horse cannot maintain effort from a certain place in a race and comes off the bridle.
For betting in-running it is important to be able to identify when a horse begins to tire. The odds will increase on an online sportsbook because there will be more layers than backers. Some in-running punters will cut their losses and those with the best rained eye will minimize the loss.
Identifying when a horse has come off the bridle is an important skill for successful horse racing in-running bettors.
See Also
Jockey (Claimer)
Level Weights
Middle Distances
