What Does Nap Mean In Horse Racing?
My family and I were out at the races the other day, and they’re all quite new to it.
I’ve been doing it for years, and just felt like introducing them to one of my hobbies.
One of the things they’ve been struggling with is all the strange jargon and abbreviations which, honestly, even I find tricky sometimes.
At one point, my son came up to me and told me someone had just shared their ‘nap’ with him, and he asked me what that was.
So, what does nap mean in horse racing?
Nap is short for Napoleon, the card game of the same name, and in horse racing refers to a punter’s best tip for a particular day. It is a way of sharing what they think is the best betting avenue to pursue that day for the best returns at the lowest risk.
It’s a bit of a strange term to get your head around, then, but the essential idea is that it’s a ‘top tip’.
It refers to advice from seasoned horse racing pundits who know their way around the game.
Let’s look at this in more detail.
Why is it called Napoleon?
No one is exactly sure, as the term appears to far predate written usage of the term.
In France in the 19th Century, a card game called Napoleon appeared.
It was a simple trick-taking game in which each player receives five cards.
Whoever bids the highest number of tricks chooses the trumps and then attempts to win at least the number they bid.
A fairly simple card game, and one in which your best hand is referred to as your ‘nap’.
So, in horse racing, it’s your ‘nap’ because it’s your best hand; your best trick for the day.
There is also an element of secrecy, since in the card game it’s important to hide your cards from the other player.
So, a nap is kind of a secret, lesser-known trick.
To clear up any confusion, it is not named after the Napoleon; it may be named after Napoleon III, but that is not entirely clear either.
It’s origins are a bit murky, but it seems to have originated in France.
What is nap of the day?
So, a nap of the day is the best tip that any punter has to offer.
These can come from many different sources.
Bookmakers themselves may even offer their own naps, but these should be taken with a grain of salt.
Obviously, they’re looking after their own odds.
You’re more likely to find good naps by talking to other punters.
Veterans who spend a lot of time at the races will be known at the track, and may be waiting to offer tips to those looking to bet.
Their nap of the day will be worked out based on a lot of experience and carefully scouring the odds.
Nap is the best tips and hints that other bettors have to offer, and they may have several; their best tip for a given day is their nap of the day.
Where to find naps
As I said, the best place is to look for other punters who are willing to share their tips.
If you aren’t betting at the track but online, then you can search online for daily naps from regular bettors.
Ultimately, people are standing by to help you, so we advise you seek out their help—we can all use some tips and tricks where we can get them!
Remember, ask the bookies for their nap if you want, but remember to take it with a grain of salt.
Horse racing bettors are always keen to share tips and tricks on the best odds, and naps are one of the ways this has been entrenched into the tradition.
Everyone is keen to share knowledge with one another, that they might get back as good as they put in.
Napoleon is a strange term to hear in horse racing, but it’s just based on a French card game—not even the man himself!
So, don’t get confused, it’s quite simple.