What are Colours in Horse Racing?

The term colours in horse racing refers to the registered colours a jockey wears and are attached to a specific owner of a stable.

Also known as silks (a term more commonly used in the United States), the colours a jockey wears essentially represent his or her stable and is a way for punters and the general public to identify which stable a horse belongs to.

The custom of wearing colours began in England but soon spread throughout the world. Some of the most recognisable stables in the world are identifiable immediately through their jockey’s colours, such as the famous blue of the Godolphin stable.

Our Top Sportsbooks for Betting on Horse

1.

4.6/5

Bet365 Review

Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Players from Virginia accepted

Visit Site

T&Cs apply, 21+

Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

2.

4.6/5

BetMGM Review

100% up to $1000

Players from Virginia accepted

Visit Site

T&Cs apply, 21+

3.

4.5/5

BetRivers.com Review

100% up to $500

Players from Virginia accepted

Visit Site

T&Cs apply, 21+

4.

4.5/5

PointsBet Review

5 x $50Bet Credits

Players from Virginia accepted

Visit Site

T&Cs apply, 21+

5.

4.5/5

FanDuel Review

Get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets

Players from Virginia accepted

Visit Site

T&Cs apply, 21+

How are Colours used in Sports Betting?

As the colours a jockey wears represents the stable for which the jockey is riding, when it comes to the actual race, the colours allow punters to identify the position of their horse during proceedings.

Certain stables have more success than others at particular tracks, and looking for horses from that stable at a meeting is often a useful tip when betting on a race.

Colours also play a part in less experienced punters making their race selections. While experienced bettors will likely consider the track, the rider and a horse’s form, those less au fait with the sport often look at less in-depth factors. A race that captures the public’s imagination, such as the Grand National, will often see once-a-year punters pick the colours they find most attractive.

Award

BetMGM Bonus

100% up to $1000

T&Cs apply, 21+

Get Bonus

Award

PointsBet Bonus

5 x $50Bet Credits

T&Cs apply, 21+

Get Bonus

Award

Bet365 Bonus

Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets

T&Cs apply, 21+

Get Bonus

Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+

Award

FanDuel Bonus

Get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets

T&Cs apply, 21+

Get Bonus

Did you know…

The practice of jockey’s wearing colours stems from medieval times when knights contesting jousting events would wear coloured garments to identify the houses and regions they were entering on behalf of.

One of the most famous sets of colours is the purple and scarlet with intricate gold braiding on the front of the Queen’s horses.

See also

Claimer (jockey)

Owner

Parade

Pedigree