How Do You Find the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites?

Want to spice things up and try a different kind of betting instead of the usual football predictions? Well, why not give horse race betting a shot? Betting on horse racing can be thrilling. The sport has many events happening worldwide every day, offering a wide range of choices for bettors. Even though horse racing isn’t very popular in Nigeria as a sport, betting on it is gaining more and more popularity.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of betting on horse racing and highlight the betting sites that provide the best experience for racing enthusiasts.

Horse Betting

Horse racing is a sport where horses, ridden by jockeys, compete to find out who’s the fastest over a specific distance. There are various types of horse racing, each with its own set of rules, obstacles, track surfaces, gaits, and considerations for horse breeds, weights, and age.

We’ll delve deeper into these differences later in the article. However, no matter the variations mentioned, the fundamental idea remains the same. It is a test of speed for horses and riders. There are a multitude of distinct events and markets in horse betting. 

You can go for a straightforward bet on the winner or explore more intricate, multi-faceted bets where several predictions need to come true for a win. Understanding these aspects is crucial for a complete grasp of horse betting, but the basic principles always stay the same.

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How Do you Find the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites?

Thinking of placing bets on horse racing? There are lots of online sites for that. Picking the right one can be tricky with so many choices. To find the best horse betting site, just look at these things:

  • How good is the welcome offer?

    A tempting welcome deal can stretch your horse racing betting budget. But this offer mustn’t come with too many tricky conditions.

  • What ways can I pay?

    The payment options available directly impact how quickly you can put money in or take it out according to what you like. The best horse racing betting sites in the UK should accept various debit cards, e-wallets, and mobile wallet services like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

  • Can I watch the races live?

    Nowadays, many horse racing betting sites let you watch UK and Irish races live, and sometimes even ones from other places. Usually, you have to place a bet on the race or have some money in your account to watch it live.

  • Do they do something special for big races?

    Bookies should step up their game for the major events in the racing calendar. Events like the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, and the Grand National should come with special offers, like more each-way places, free bets, and better odds. Also, they should have early betting options for major races throughout the year.

  • Do they have regular deals?

    Having ongoing deals shows that a bookmaker appreciates its regular customers, going beyond the initial welcome offer. Good horse betting sites offer daily deals, prediction games with cash prizes, and free bets for regular bettors. These factors are crucial when you’re comparing horse racing bookmakers.

  • What about betting limits and responsible gambling tools?

    Betting on horse racing should always be enjoyable, and betting sites should let you set daily, weekly, and monthly limits on your accounts. This helps you manage your budget and bet responsibly all the time.

  • Do they provide race guides and tips?

    When you’re betting on a horse race, it’s important to see a list of all the runners and riders with colours, recent performance, weights, and details about the jockey and trainer. Having a form guide and insights from expert tipsters can make your horse racing betting experience much better.

  • Keeping your info safe

    Feeling sure that your data is safe is super important when playing at horse betting sites. Look for websites with SSL encryption. Check not just the level of safety but also if the site has the right licenses. It’s also a big plus if you can easily get help from customer support when needed.

  • Horse betting odds

    Picking a horse betting site with high odds is key if you want to make the most money from your bets. Odds are like a number telling you how likely something is to happen. They also decide the most money you can win. After checking the odds on different betting sites, go for the one with the best ones.

  • Betting on the go

    Lots of people love betting on sports using their phones. So, it’s good if the betting site has a mobile site or an app for horse betting. This makes placing bets easy.

  • Having many betting options

    Horse betting is a sport that people bet on in many different ways. It works well for lots of betting choices. So, find sportsbooks that match what you like by offering a wide range of betting options and markets.

Exploring Horse Racing Markets

We’ve gone into detail about all the important markets in our horse racing beginner’s guide, but let’s chat about the top five here anyway. Keep in mind that these are just generally popular and might not always be the best for you. The best market is the one you believe has the best chance of success.

Each-Way Betting

Horse racing has more potential winning outcomes than many other sports, so each-way betting is quite a hit. Here, your chosen horse can finish in other positions, usually in the top three, and you still win. Sometimes, you can get even more if there are special promotions.

To Win

If you’ve ever bet on a sport like Wimbledon or watched a recent MMA showdown, you probably know this one. It’s about picking the horse you think will cross the finish line first. Horse racing adds a bit more complexity with multiple possible outcomes, but the main idea is the same.

Forecast Bet

This type of betting asks you to predict the exact order in which the top two horses will finish. It’s tougher than just picking a winner or going for an each-way bet, so the odds are better. However, it needs a keen eye for accuracy. If you’re up for more challenges, there’s also the Tricast bet, where you predict the top three in the exact order.

Double Bet

A double bet involves making two separate choices. For example, you might pick two horses to win entirely different races. You only win if both predictions turn out right. This gives you much better odds, and it’s like a small accumulator bet that many horse racing fans like.

Reverse Forecast

If you want to make the forecast bet a bit simpler, try a reverse forecast. Here, you still pick the two horses you think will finish at the top, but they can come in any order. The catch is that you have to place bets on both possibilities, even though your chances of winning improve.

Types of Horse Racing Bets

In horse racing, there are different types of bets you can try. Let’s break down each one:

To Win

Simple and great for beginners. You bet on a horse to finish first, and you win only if it does.

Each-Way (E/W)

Common for horses with bigger odds. You place two bets – one for the horse to win and another for it to place (finish in the top few spots). Most bookies pay out on the top three places at a quarter (1/4) of the odds.

Patent

Involves three choices, making seven bets – three singles, three doubles, and a treble. The cool thing about a Patent is you only need one winning horse to get some money back.

Canadian/Super Yankee

Involves five selections and 26 bets – 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five four-folds, and a five-fold accumulator. You need two right selections to get a return.

Reverse Forecast

Similar to Forecast, but you predict the top two horses in either order. You have to bet on both outcomes.

Super Heinz

Includes seven selections and 120 bets – 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, seven six-folds, and a seven-fold accumulator. With a Super Heinz, two successful picks are needed for a return.

Yankee

Has four selections and 11 bets – six doubles, four trebles, and a four-fold accumulator. You need at least two right selections to get some cash with a Yankee.

Heinz

Includes six choices and 57 bets – 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds, and one six-fold accumulator. With Heinz, you need at least two correct picks to see a return.

Double

Involves two selections in different events. Both selections must win for you to get a return.

Goliath

Involves eight selections and 247 bets – 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, eight seven-folds, and an eight-fold accumulator. Goliath requires at least two right picks for a return.

Lucky 15

Involves four picks and 15 bets – four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and a four-fold accumulator. With a Lucky 15, just one successful pick means you get something back.

Lucky 63

Involves six selections and 63 bets – six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds, and a six-fold accumulator. Like Lucky 15, you only need two right picks for a return.

Tricast

You predict the top three horses in the exact order they finish. It’s challenging but can bring big rewards.

Trixie

Consists of four bets – three doubles and one treble. You need at least two of the three chosen horses to be successful. Even if one selection fails, you still get a return.

Lucky 31

Has five selections and 31 bets – five singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five four-folds, and a five-fold accumulator. Similar to Lucky 15, you only need one correct pick to earn.

Forecast

You predict the top two horses in the exact order they finish.

Major Horse Races to Bet on Horse Betting sites

Explore a variety of horse racing events available for betting on horse betting sites. Here’s a quick look at a few of these exciting opportunities:

horse racing

Champion Hurdle (National Hunt)

On the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, witness the heart-pounding action of the Champion Hurdle. This Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race is for horses aged four or older. Covering a distance of approximately two miles and ½ furlong, this race boasts eight hurdles to conquer.

Queen Mother Champion Chase (National Hunt)

Join the excitement of The Cheltenham Festival with the Queen Mother Champion Chase. As a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase, this event welcomes horses aged five or older. For about two miles, competitors must navigate through 13 fences to secure victory.

Cheltenham Gold Cup (National Hunt)

Marking the grand finale of the Cheltenham Festival, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a prestigious Grade 1 National Hunt horse race. Taking place over a challenging distance of about three miles and 2½ furlongs, this epic race features 22 fences that horses must conquer for glory.

Grand National (National Hunt)

Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool hosts the annual Grand National, a spectacular National Hunt horse race occurring on the first Saturday in April. This handicap steeplechase attracts a colossal field of 40 horses, covering a four-mile distance with 30 fences and two laps. While it’s highly anticipated, remember that it isn’t one of Britain’s five classics—National Hunt races differ in this regard.

King George VI Chase (National Hunt)

Dating back to 1937, the King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase for horses aged four or older. Scheduled for December 26, known as Boxing Day in the UK, it’s a highlight of Kempton Park’s Christmas Festival. The race spans around three miles, featuring 18 hurdles that add an extra layer of excitement to this festive occasion.

2000 Guineas Stakes (Flat)

Experience the thrill of the 2000 Guineas Stakes, a top-tier flat horse race in the UK. Open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, it kicks off the racing season as the first of Britain’s five Classic races. The action unfolds on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, covering a mile, and happens in late April or early May.

1000 Guineas Stakes (Flat)

Following the 2000 Guineas, don’t miss the 1000 Guineas Stakes, the second of Britain’s five classic races. This Group 1 flat horse race, exclusively for three-year-old fillies, takes place on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, covering a thrilling one-mile stretch. Scheduled in late April or early May, it adds another layer of excitement to the racing calendar.

Epsom Oaks (Flat)

The Epsom Oaks Stakes is a must-watch Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain, welcoming three-year-old fillies. Held at Epsom Downs, this classic event spans one mile and four furlongs, captivating spectators in late May or early June. As the second oldest of the five Classic races, it holds a special place in the racing season.

Epsom Derby (Flat)

Known as the Blue Riband of the turf, the Derby Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 flat horse race in England. Three-year-old colts and fillies showcase their prowess at Epsom Downs Racecourse, covering a challenging distance of one mile, four furlongs, and six yards. This highly anticipated event, the richest in Britain and the most prestigious of the Classics, unfolds on the first Saturday of June each year.

St Leger (Flat)

Step back in time with the St Leger Stakes, established in 1776 and still captivating audiences. This Group 1 flat horse race, open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, unfolds at Doncaster. Spanning one mile, six furlongs, and 115 yards, it marks the culmination of the racing season in September. As the oldest of Britain’s five Classics, the St Leger holds a special place as the season’s final and most historic race.

Melbourne Cup

Step into the excitement of the Melbourne Cup hailed as “the race that stops the nation.” This iconic Australian event, inaugurated in 1861, captures the nation’s attention. Held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, it covers a distance of 3200 meters, welcoming three-year-olds and older horses to showcase their speed and stamina.

Kentucky Derby

Experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby, also known as the “Run for the Roses.” Held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, this event is the highlight of the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. As an American Grade I stakes race, it features three-year-old thoroughbreds racing over one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Classic, a Grade I Weight for Age thoroughbred horse race, is a highlight of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Open to 3-year-olds and older, this event runs on dirt and covers a distance of 1 1⁄4 miles. Held annually in late October or early November, it takes place at different racetracks in the USA, attracting top-notch competitors.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

In the heart of Paris at Longchamp, witness the elegance of France’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This Group 1 flat horse race is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older, covering a distance of 2,400 meters. Held on the first Sunday in October, it stands as Europe’s second most prestigious horse race, following the Epsom Derby.

Dubai World Cup

Head to Dubai for the grandeur of the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race with a purse of $12 million.

Horse Racing Live Betting

Jump into the thrill of live betting on horse racing – it’s not just about predicting before the race; it’s about getting in on the action while the race is happening!

In live betting, you can adjust your bets as the race unfolds. Imagine this: the weather turns, a horse faces an unexpected challenge, or a jockey takes an unexpected tumble – live betting lets you adapt your predictions on the fly.

Horse races are quick – usually lasting just two to three minutes. That means you need to be speedy and spot-on with your live bets.

horse racing betting

Let’s say there’s a horse known for a slow start but a powerful finish. If, at the beginning of the race, it’s lagging at the back, you can place a live bet on it to work its way to the front. Why? Because you know it’s likely to pick up speed as the race goes on. Often, when the horse is at the back, the odds are better than they were before the race started.

Live betting isn’t just about watching the race; it’s about reacting to the changes in the odds, giving you a shot at increasing your winnings. It adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the horse racing experience.

Special Promotions and Bonuses on Horse Racing

Finding the best bonuses for horse betting can be a bit tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s a look at some great offers you can find:

Welcome Bonus

Top horse betting websites welcome new customers with special bonuses. These bonuses are like a warm greeting for you to have a good time during your initial horse betting rounds. They give you a chance to understand how the bookmaker works. Look for sites offering excellent welcome offers, like matched bonuses or free bets.

Daily Odds Boosts

Some online sportsbooks offer daily odds boosts. These are bets the website enhances to attract more betting action. If you have enough knowledge and experience, you can take advantage of these boosted odds to potentially earn more money.

Reload Bonus

If you’re a regular horse bettor, the reload bonus is a fantastic perk. Each time you add money to your account during the bonus period, the operator rewards you. The bonus amount and the minimum deposit required to unlock it depend on the bonus terms. It’s a great way to get something extra for consistently betting on horses.

Some Horse Betting Tips and Strategies

Let’s talk about some important things to think about when you’re betting on horse racing. Whether you’re using different bookmakers, the basic way of placing a bet stays the same.

Now, diving into horse racing betting, it’s a bit special and a bit tricky, so we want to focus on tips that matter. This sport has its charm, and understanding it is key. Figuring out how to plan your bets at horse racing betting sites is crucial, and we’ve got 10 top tips to guide you in getting started. These tips will give you a good grip on where to begin and what to keep in mind for a successful strategy.

Performance History (Form)

First things first, look at how a horse has been doing in its recent races. If you understand how most horses have been performing lately, you’ll likely get better at making accurate predictions. That’s why we pay attention to this info when picking the best bookmakers.

Ground Conditions and Race Type (The Going/Type of Race)

The ground at a racecourse is what we mean by “going.” It’s about how wet or dry the ground is. Pros in horse racing can match this info with a horse’s performance history. Just because a horse is great on one type of ground doesn’t mean it will do as well on all of them. The same goes for the type of race – it can make a difference. Some experts debate whether ground or race type matters more. Jump racing, especially, adds a bit of unpredictability.

Race Length (Distance)

The stuff we said about ground and race type also goes for distance. We’re talking about how long the race is. The reason we’re talking about it separately is because big races with lots of horses that have similar records can be extra tricky to predict, according to many experts. It doesn’t mean you should avoid them, though. These races can be super tight, attracting the best of the best. Instead of staying away, you might want to think about each-way markets if a race looks close.

Classifications

Horses get different labels based on how well they perform. It’s like a system to make sure races are competitive with a good number of contenders. Here’s a simple tip: don’t just stick to the top-tier races. Sometimes, the lower-grade races have smaller but still strong contenders. Especially if you like betting on the “To Win” market, these races might offer your best chances.

Process of Elimination

Betting isn’t always about picking the winner; sometimes, it’s smarter to work backwards. Start by figuring out the weaker contenders and rule them out. Keep going until you can’t eliminate any more. What you’re left with is a smaller set of options that are easier to understand and choose from.

Quality of Odds

Winning is great, but winning more is even better. That’s why the quality of odds from your bookmaker matters a lot. It’s a big deal in our top 20 list. Luckily, the best bookmakers are super competitive with their odds. So, if you pick a good one, especially with a Best Odds Guaranteed promotion, you should get decent odds for your bets.

Trainers

We’ve talked a bunch about horse quality, but there’s more to it. The trainer of a horse is a big deal. Experts say it’s just as important as the horse’s form. Some people even focus more on specific trainers when they bet. While we’re not saying it should be your whole strategy, it’s something super valuable to think about when making your bets.

Look Beyond the Big Names

Betting on famous trainers, their stables, or well-known horses can be tempting, but here’s a tip: the big names are often heavily bet on, and that can mean lower odds. To get better odds, consider keeping an eye out for up-and-coming talents. You don’t have to avoid the big names completely, just don’t always bet on them. With so many markets and opportunities, there’s a chance to find the best odds.

See the Whole Race Picture

Whether you’re betting to win or trying something more complex, like a tricast bet, understanding the entire race is crucial. Many folks focus only on the horse they’re backing and miss the bigger picture. By understanding the race as a whole, you not only spot more opportunities but also gather info that might change your mind about your pick. It might take a bit more effort, but taking that extra time to grasp the whole race is worth it.

Trust Your Instincts, But Be Smart

Some people love letting their gut feelings guide their bets in horse racing. It’s okay to enjoy the excitement, especially if a horse’s name reminds you of your pet or if it just feels right. However, relying solely on instincts may not be the smartest move. While it’s entirely up to you how you want to enjoy betting, our advice for making the smartest bets leans towards carefully thought-out strategies rather than going solely with your gut. It’s about making wise decisions while keeping your betting safe and responsible.

Horse Racing Betting FAQs