title: converting excel spreadsheet to MySql Database
body: <p>I have a Horse Racing Database that has the results for all handicap races for the 2010 flat season. The spreadsheet has now got too big and I want to convert it to a MySQL Databse. I have looked at many sites about normalizing data and database structures but I just can't work out what goes where, and what are PRIMARY KEYS,FOREIGN KEYS ETC I have over 30000 lines in the spreadsheet. the Column headings are :-</p>
  
  <p>RACE_NO,DATE,COURSE,R_TIME,AGE,FURS,CLASS,PRIZE,RAN,Go,BHB,WA,AA,POS,DRW,BTN,HORSE,WGT,SP,TBTN,PPL,LGTHS,BHB,BHBADJ,BEYER</p>
  
  <p>most of the columns are obvious, the following explains the less obvious BHB is the class of race,WA and AA are weight allowances for age and weight,TBTN is total distance beaten,PPL is Pounds per length, the last 4 are ratings.</p>
  
  <p>I managed to export into MySQL as a flat file by saving the spreadsheet as a comma delimited file but I need to structure the 
  data into a normalized state with the proper KEYS.</p>
  
  <p>I would appreciate any advice</p>
  
  <p>many thyanks</p>
  
  <p>Davey H</p>