ME777 Casino legit.777ph casino,JILIASIA app

Beginners Guide to Horse Racing Betting

Few sports can match the excitement one feels when watching horses gallop at scintillating speeds. Also, few sports have the history that horse racing has. Even the ancient Greeks enjoyed watching jockeys guide their animals to victory! At some point, they realized that these races are much more fun when you place a stake on them. And that’s how horse racing betting was born!

A lot has changed since then. With the rise of online bookmakers, you don’t need to spend the entire day at the tracks. You can pick markets and earn some money from the comfort of your own home. Considering all this, our team of experts wanted to create a beginner’s guide for everyone interested in entering the world of horse racing betting.

What you see in front of you is the result of months of research, countless bets, and tons of betting sites tested. So, your only job is to sit somewhere comfortable, soak all the info in, and prepare to take your first punt. Good luck!

Page Navigation
Page NavigationTOP

Understanding the Rules

horse racing jockey horse

Before you start with horse racing betting, it’s important to know two main factors in play — the horse and the jockey. Unlike greyhound races, in which dogs run on their own, horses must be ridden by jockeys to ensure that they will reach the finish line. This is because dogs are easy to train, whereas horses don’t yield to commands or training lightly. To motivate the horses to run faster, riders use small whips. Some jurisdictions allow unlimited whipping, while some have outright banned it or imposed a limit on the number of whips allowed (UK).

Not every horse is suitable for racing. Usually, only Arabians, Quarters, and Thoroughbreds are the participants. As for jockeys, they have to be relatively small and lightweight people so that horses carry as little weight as possible. They also have to wear helmets and padding, as falling off or getting trampled can have potentially deadly consequences.

The two main rules, ones that are present in all types of races (more on that later), are that all riders must start simultaneously and give it their best effort. Early starts might result in penalties or disqualification.

As for the other rule, it exists to prevent fixing. Horse racing gaming allows bettors to take punts on the market called ‘place’. What it means is that you’re betting on the exact placement of the horse. If the rule mentioned above wouldn’t exist, a rider could purposely slow down and earn people bets in an illegal manner.

There you have it – the basics of horse racing. There are several sub-categories, but the framework is the same. Some jurisdictions add their own specific regulations, so make sure you analyze them before pouncing on a particular market or event.


Basic Terms

Horse racing betting is far from the most difficult endeavour. Despite this, there are many slang terms that might confuse you in the beginning. To avoid this confusion, we rounded up the most frequently used ones and provided explanations. Once you memorize them, doing research at any horse racing bookmaker will be a piece of cake.

  • Bit – A steel bar that’s placed in the horse’s mouth and is attached to the bridle. Using it, the jockey can steer the horse or cause him to slow down, especially in corners.
  • Bloodstock – While not necessarily integral to the race itself, the bloodstock is still essential. It’s the part of the industry that’s involved in breeding horses. Champions pass their genes onto other champions. It’s not uncommon to see multiple generations of successful racehorses.
  • Colt – An uncastrated male horse that still hasn’t reached four years of age. A colt that still races is called an entire, while a retired one is a stallion.
  • Stallion – A retired horse, usually with a racing career behind him, that’s used for breeding new racehorses.
  • Draw – All horses start in their own respective stalls, one beside the others. The draw is a random pick that assigns stalls to horses. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t matter whether a horse starts close to the rail or a bit further. For instance, the Kentucky Derby features 20 horses, and they all line up to the rail after a few seconds. There’s no correlation between the stall and the horse’s position at the end of the race.
  • Boxed-in – When there are many horses in the same place, it’s impossible to move out of the crowd and make a clear, straight run. So, when a horse is unable to overtake, he’s boxed in.
  • Going – A slang term that relates to the conditions on the racetrack itself. If it’s muddy and wet, the going is bad. When there isn’t any rainfall and horses won’t lose speed, the going is good.
  • Handicap – Depending on their past performances, horses are given weight to carry. If a horse is blowing everyone out of the water, they will be given the heaviest weight in their next race. This is so that the playing field is even and that the race remains exciting.
  • Juvenile – In many jurisdictions, a two-year-old horse the minimum age allowed for a horse to participate in official races.
  • Nap – A bet that’s sure to win. When a horse is an overwhelming favourite, bettors usually say, ‘go for it, it’s a nap’.
  • On/off the bridle – When a horse is off the bridle, it means it does not have a particularly good race. When it’s on the bridle, things are going well.
  • Silks – Since there are many horses on the track during an event, owners all have different colours. They appear on the jockey’s clothing and equipment, as well as the horse’s apparel. That’s how you tell them apart.
  • Stay on – This refers to a horse who won the race thanks to an excellent finish, despite being off the bridle until the last few yards.
  • Open ditch – In jump racing (we’ll talk about it in a bit), an open ditch is a rail with a rather long ditch right where the takeoff area is.
  • Stud – A horse breeding facility. Stallions are kept here while the mares are being brought to conceive a baby horse. Horses younger than 12 months are called foals.

Horse Racing Types

horse racing types

When someone mentions horse racing betting, you probably think of round tracks with a starting point and a finish line. Believe it or not, that’s not the only type of race that you can take punts on. These beautiful beasts can square off in several different sub-sports if you will. Here are the most popular ones.

Flat racing

The most common type, you’ll find it at just about any bookie. There aren’t any obstacles involved, and the track can have a maximum length of up to 2 miles. Grass and synthetic surfaces can be used.

Jump racing

Any event involving obstacles. Small ones are called hurdles, while big ones are called fences. There are also small ponds of water, ditches, and hedges. It’s a test of both endurance and athleticism.

Harness racing

Basically the modern version of chariot racing. Instead of the jockey riding the horse, he is placed in a sulky, a two-wheeled cart. The sulky is connected to the horse’s torso, and he pulls the jockey by galloping.

Endurance racing

Probably the most extreme form of horse racing. Endurance races don’t take place in stadiums or on racetracks. Instead, the horses race in natural environments, on lengths of up to 150 miles. Such events can last for hours and require massive amounts of strategizing. Arabians are the best at endurance races due to their build and stamina.


Where to Find Horse Racing Betting Websites?

Rating: 5.0/5
  • Trusted Online Betting Website
  • Licensed by the UKGC
  • Best Sports Betting Features
  • High Odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. | gambleaware.org #Advertisement
Rating: 4.9/5
  • Trusted & Secure Online Betting Site
  • Competitive Sports Betting Odds and Markets
  • Great Range of Casino Games
  • Professional Customer Support
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+. gambleaware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. Full Terms apply | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Fantastic bonuses
  • Good sportsbook
  • Amazing casino games
  • Many payment methods
#ad • +18 Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days and expires after 14 days • Bonus valid on selected Casino games only • Bonus wins capped at £500, excluding Jackpot wins • You must wager Bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game Full T&Cs apply | begamblingaware | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.2/5
  • An amazing sportsbook
  • Superb bonus offers
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Mobile apps
18+ | New Players only | Get up to £50 in FreeBets, an Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins and £10 Casino Bonus when you sign up to Sportingbet today. | T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Extensive sports library
  • High odds
  • Separate apps for sports, casino, and poker
  • Fully legal and licensed
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 2/1 (3.0) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.9/5
  • Trusted online betting site
  • Great range of Sports Betting markets
  • Top-class Customer service
  • Various Payment methods
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers using Promo Code R30 only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Generous welcome pack + Free Spins
  • High-quality games by top suppliers
  • Regular Tournaments & Must-Drop Jackpots
Only available to new verified customers residing in the UK. Place a first ever sports bet (£10 min. stake; single bets only; min. odds 2/5). Get 2x£5 in free sports bets, £10 in bonus money at Casino and 20 free spins (£0.10 per spin) on eligible NetEnt Slots. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply. | 18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Great Range of Sports Betting Options
  • Casino Games are Available
  • Generous Welcome Bonus and More Promos
  • Different Sports betting features
18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great Sports Betting Coverage
  • Secure Deposits and Withdrawals
  • Enhanced Player Security
  • Various Promotions
New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via ‘My Offers’ page within 30 days. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play, min odds 1/1 (2.0). Max. extra winnings £100. Once claimed, 30-day expiry. Cashed out, System & EW bets do not qualify. Other Promotional Play Restrictions Apply. T&Cs apply | 18+ gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | LeoSafePlay
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Trusted & Licensed UK Brand
  • Great Customer Support
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Sports Betting Features
18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. 18+. T&Cs apply. | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Good looking website
  • An operator with a long history
  • Great selection of sports
  • Helpful customer support
18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply. | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+ gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Reliable & professional brand
  • UKGC licensed
  • Great betting features
  • Wide variety of horse races
New UK/IE customers only. Sign up and place your first sports bet at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater and if it loses, get a free bet equivalent to 50% of your first bet stake (min £10), to a maximum value of £25, plus 25 free spins on Gold Horsey Winner. Full T&Cs apply.18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
  • UKGC Licensed Bookmaker
  • Wide Range of Sports Betting Options
  • Competitive Odds
  • Professional Support
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, 7 days expiry. Valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Please gamble responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Good payment methods
  • Allows easier access to mobile betting games without the need of a browser
New Customers Only, Sign up using Bonus Code: MB:20. Place your first bet, if it loses we will refund your first bet stake as a free bet, up to the value of £20. The first bet must be placed within 7 days of registration and at odds of 1.8 or more. 18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.7/5
  • Trusted & Licensed UK Brand
  • A wide array of promotions
  • Various Sports betting features
  • Various payment options
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Licensed bookie
  • A lot of betting features
  • Live betting
  • A ton of payment options
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MAX ONE £10 FREE BET. QUALIFYING BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. PAID AS BONUS TOKEN WITH MIN 4/5 ODDS REQ. SKRILL, NETELLER & PAYPAL NOT ELIGIBLE. T&C APPLY. 18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great range of sports betting options
  • Cash out is available
  • Wide array of casino games
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Extensive Sports Selection
  • Range of betting features & responsible gambling tools
  • Diversity of slots, table games & Live Casino
  • 24/7 Customer support
New players only. Min deposit £15. Max free bet token amount: £10. 18+ T&C apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.2/5
  • Cash out option is available
  • Modern and stylish approach
  • Huge selection of games from several providers
Bet £10 Get £10 Free Acca Bet | T&Cs apply. New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 4.0 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+ | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.1/5
  • available cash-out option
  • offers live streaming function
  • has apps for iOS and Android
If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free Spins on Smoking Hot Fruit Stacks. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | gambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly

Show More

An essential part of every bettor’s arsenal is a good app or online bookmaker. With it, you can put all your skills and knowledge to use. However, finding the right fit can often take hours or even days. Well, not anymore. Check out our list of the top-rated bookmakers for horse racing betting. It’s the result of extensive testing and comparisons.

Not only will you find some highly-rated desktop sites, but you’ll also see what’s the best betting app for horse racing. NostraBet knows that gaming on the go is popular, so we decided to lend you a hand. Analyze the list, pick a bookie you like, and start taking punts. Have fun and bet wisely!


How to Bet on Horse Racing

Betting on horse racing is the same as wagering on any other sport. Albeit having specifics, the overall steps are the same, and it all starts by choosing some of the best sites for betting on horse racing. Due to this sport’s popularity in some parts of the world, you can find a lot of bookies that specialize in it.

  • After choosing the most suitable betting site for the job, the next step is to sign up. We recommend learning more about any active promo codes from Nostrabet, as they’ll boost your welcome promotion.
  • Assuming you’re aware of the welcome bonus, you can make a deposit and get it. If you do not know anything, we suggest learning more about it.
  • Now that the funds are in your account, check the pre-match and live betting categories.
  • Although most people want to punt on live horse racing matches, bookies also offer pre-match options. Decide what you want to bet, analyze the markets, and choose one or more alternatives.
  • The markets will be added to your betslip after choosing them, meaning the next step is to place a bet.
  • Horse Racing Bet – Real-Life Example

    Since we want to give you an example of how we’ve wagered on horse racing, we’ve chosen 22bet. The latter is an international brand that’s famous for providing more options than the rest, so here’s how it worked out:

    • We already had an account with the operator, so we signed up. Luckily, we also had $10 in our balance, so there was no need to make a deposit.
    • After going to “Sports”, followed by “Horse Racing”, we saw all of the upcoming events. In the end, we chose to bet on Moe Race 7 in Australia.
    • There were numerous intriguing markets, but we’ve decided to bet the $10 we had on “Winner No.1 Bunjil “Jake Noonan) to win the race. The odds were 4.00, so predicting this bet would give us $40 in total.

    Which Are the Most Popular Tournaments?

    horse racing racers

    Regardless of where you are in the world, chances are there’s a racetrack near you. Still, not every event is the same. Unfortunately, most of them don’t receive enough coverage for you to place stats-based bets and make informed decisions. Stick to the following ones, and you’ll get all the data you need to win.

    Cheltenham Festival

    Perhaps the most famous jump racing event in Britain, it’s held every year around St. Patrick’s day. This draws a lot of visitors from Ireland.

    Kentucky Derby

    A grade in a race featuring only three-year-old Thoroughbreds, it’s the best that America has to offer. The KD is a flat race and is 2 miles long.

    Belmont Stakes

    Another famous American race, it’s held in the state of New York every year. Together with the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, it’s a part of the Triple Crown group of events.

    The Royal Ascot

    Held since 1768, The Royal Ascot is a five-day festival that celebrates everything related to horse racing. There are many races each day, so you’ll have no problem if you want to track bets and pull of risky combos.

    Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe

    When the first Sunday of each October comes around, Europe’s collective eyes turn to the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. This is the most prestigious all-age event in all of Europe.

    The Preakness Stakes

    Also known as the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans. It’s named after Maryland’s official state flower and is held in Maryland each May. Thoroughbreds that have passed their third birthday are eligible to participate.

    The Grand National

    Even those who aren’t fans of horse racing betting tune into this iconic jump race. It’s held in Liverpool and has a prize pool of just over £1 million. For that reason, it averages approximately 600 million viewers.

    Dubai World Cup

    The top event in the Middle East. It features eight races for Thoroughbreds, while there’s just one event for Arabians. All events are held on a flat track around 10 furlongs long.

    Melbourne Cup

    First won by Archer in 1861, Australia’s attempt to throw their hat in the horse racing ring. It attracts millions of fans worldwide and is streamed and shown on countless channels and sites.

    Breeders' Cup World Championships

    It’s California’s foremost racing holiday. Since there are 14 different races held there each year, you can easily find tips and predictions all over the internet.

    Nakayama Grand Jump

    One of the most iconic jump races in the world. Interestingly, it’s been won by non-Japanese horses on only five occasions. Karasi did it three times.


    Short History and Facts

    Chariot racing and horse racing have been a part of the Olympic Games since the 7th century BC. However, no one really knows when it officially became a sport. It is believed that it was actually created by cavalry members who were bored on duty and wanted to have some fun. While it was mainly a nobleman’s sport throughout its history, horse racing is now widely available to anyone. Millions of people visit both racetracks and betting sites, all to capitalize on the action.

    Here’s some fun information related to this unique sport’s history:

    • The horse racing industry as a whole is very beneficial to the British economy. Apparently, around £3.7 billion trickles down and gets used for education, healthcare, etc.
    • Did you know that, in 1605, King James I became so addicted to horse racing that he forgot to run the country? The parliament had to remind him to snap out of it.
    • The first horseback riding tournaments in Britain were held back in 200 AD. Nomadic peoples in central Asia raced even earlier. There is evidence of races in the Mongolian prairies, some even from the 5th millennium BC.
    • Thoroughbred horses in Britain can be traced to 3 sires, all of which were initially bred for war.

    Final Thoughts

    If you like sports that are both easy and profitable, horse racing betting is tailor-made for you. By investing enough time and conducting enough research, you may be able to get Lady Luck on your site. However, it’s still gambling, and anything can happen. So, just stick to your budget and be careful about taking on overly risky markets.


    FAQ

    How to bet on horse racing?

    Approach it like any other sport. Never bet on anything you aren’t sure about and find the best risk-to-reward ratio.

    What is the best type of bet in horse racing?

    The each-way market is an excellent choice for both beginners and experts. It gives you many leeways and has a fallback option if one part of the bet backfires.

    What is a place bet in horse racing?

    A place bet is when you’re placing a wager on a horse finishing in an exact sport, not lower or higher.

    Should I use a horse racing bet calculator?

    All kinds of betting software exists on the market. Companies will tell you that these calculators and programs will turn you into a millionaire. If that were true, don’t you think that everyone would be using them? Sure, calculators can be useful, but they can’t be a surrogate for proper research and preparation.

    How to win a horse racing bet?

    Find out everything about the horse and the opposition, locate the best odds, and don’t take gargantuan risks.

    Can you make a profit off of horse racing betting?

    Yes, if you are diligent and devoted, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t earn a bit of money here and there.

    Do I have to know about the horses and breeders?

    Yes. Find out everything there is about the horse’s performance, for starters. Then, do some research about the breeder. Reputable breeders have a track record of champions, so a new horse from their stable might be a dark horse (pun very much intended) you were looking for.

    Author
    Veselin Ignatov
    Veselin IgnatovVeselin's primary job is to create unique content, such as reviews and analyses of different bookmakers and other topics from the iGaming industry.