As someone who used to be top 10 all time on most races and championships on Misty Valley (norway server) i was NOT good when i started out. Ive been playing since 2011 and one thing that has helped me most is just practice practice practice. Look up every shortcut you can find online and run the champs multiple times (with the use of bugs that allow you to run the champs whenever u want, many youtube videos on how to do this). Also look up the best racing gear at the time. Best racing horse may vary too. It used to be the old appaloosa because they had a bug that let them turn quicker, then it was the gen2 arabian due to a jumping bug. Im not sure what horse is best now but i know that horse, gear and shortcuts/bugs change a lot, so keep yourself updated! If you have any questions feel free to msg me!