Horse racing is one of the world’s oldest and most popular sports. You can bet on races every week throughout the year, including legendary chases in the UK, USA, and Australia.
Read on to learn how to bet on horse racing and discover why Betano has the edge over other sportsbooks for your horse racing wagers.
Different Types of Horse Races
Before choosing an event to bet on, you need to be aware of the different types of horse races:
Flat Races
As the name suggests, flat races are run over flat ground, with no hurdles for the horses and jockeys to navigate. Most iconic races on the UK calendar are known as “The Classics,” which are Group 1 Flat Races. Examples include the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Derby at Epsom.
Jump Races (National Hunt)
Also known as National Hunt Races, jump races are open to horses of three years and above. There are five divisions within the National Hunt category:
- National Hunt Flat Races (known as bumpers) for horses trained specifically for jump racing.
- Novice Hurdling Races are open to novice racers who have yet to win a jump race.
- Hurdling Races feature hurdles (barriers) for the horses to navigate. These races are graded or handicapped.
- Novice Chasing is open to horses without a win over the fences.
- Chasing Races are graded or handicapped and open to all non-novice racers.
The most famous jump race on the British horse racing calendar is the Grand National, which has been run since 1839. It occurs annually at Aintree Racecourse, just outside of Liverpool, England.
Handicap Races
After every race, a horse is assessed by a team of handicappers. If the horse has run well, its handicap increases. The opposite is true if the horse has run poorly.
Numerous factors influence a horse’s handicap, with its weight and current rating contributing heavily. The higher the horse’s handicap, the better it is. Handicap racing is a way of levelling the playing field and giving other horses the chance to win.
Major Horse Racing Events to Look Forward to
You can bet on all major horse races and events at Betano. In the United Kingdom, the following races and events steal the limelight each year:
The Epsom Derby
Run on the first Saturday in June, the Epsom Derby is the second leg of the English Triple Crown and the UK’s richest flat race, always attended by royalty. It’s open to three-year-old colts and fillies over 2,420 metres in Surrey.
The other races that form part of the English Triple Crown are the 2000 Guineas Stakes and the St Leger Stakes, which you can bet on at Betano.
The Ascot Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is a favourite of the British Royal Family. It’s run over a long course of 4,014 meters at the Royal Ascot Racecourse, just outside of Windsor. It’s held in mid-to-late June each year.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Festival coincides with St Patrick’s Day each year and is one of the best-attended horse racing festivals in the world. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing and is the one that every jockey wants to win.
The Grand National
Similar to the Melbourne Gold Cup, the Grand National piques the interest of everyone in the UK, not just horse racing fans. This National Hunt race just outside of Liverpool is perhaps the most famous horse race in the world, with a prize pool of £1 million.
Further afield, you can also bet on these high-profile horse races at Betano:
The Kentucky Derby
Hosted on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sport.” Run every year since 1875, a prize purse of $3 million is available.
The Dubai World Cup
Meydan Racecourse in Dubai every year since 1996, a massive purse of $12 million is available, with eight Thoroughbred races and a superb Pure Arabian race for punters to bet on.
The Preakness Stakes
Just behind the Kentucky Derby in terms of prestige, the Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the US Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes is run at the Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland, and is one of the most-watched sporting events in North America. You can also bet on the Belmont Stakes, the third race of the US Triple Crown.
The Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is undoubtedly Australia’s most loved horse race, known as “the race that stops a nation.” Run at the iconic Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne every November, the Melbourne Cup has a $6 million purse. It is the second-richest turf race on the planet, only beaten by The Everest, and it runs every October at Randwick in Sydney.
Horse Racing Betting Tips
If you’re new to horse racing betting, getting started may seem daunting, given the jargon, race classes, and events available each year. So, with that in mind, here are some betting tips to consider if you’re new to the sport:
Do Your Research
Research is crucial for any sports wager, and horse racing betting is no different. Before betting on a horse, consider its recent form and any injuries it has endured.
You should also check the horse’s record at a specific track or its performance on a specific type of course if it has never run before. Checking this information will help you pick a winner.
Check the “Going”
The “Going” describes the conditions at a racecourse and refers to the underfoot conditions of the course. It’s crucial because it affects a horse’s performance.
The drier the ground, the faster the race will be. You should check which “Going” your horse prefers before backing them, and always consider how the pre-race conditions may affect the outcome.
Understand Your Betting Options
There are many ways to bet on a horse race. But to keep things simple, we recommend betting on a horse to win or to place.
Betting on a horse to place means you’re betting on them to finish in the top two, three, or four position, and it’s an excellent way to land more frequent wins, albeit at reduced odds.
As you become more experienced with horse racing betting, you can crank things up a notch with exotic bets like Trifectas and Goliaths.
Betano’s Horse Racing Betting Tools
At Betano, we have numerous tools that can help you bet on the horses throughout the season:
Horse Racing Betfinder
Our exclusive Horse Racing Betfinder is the perfect way to find a horse race to bet on. You can search for a specific horse by star rating or by filtering via horses that have won over a specific distance or on a named track. You can also look for horses available at short, medium, or long odds.
But you can also use our Betfinder to “find an edge.” For instance, look for trainers and jockeys in form or a favourite that was beaten in its last race. Our tool makes it easier to research and select horses likely to win.
Horse Racing Calculator
You can also use our Bet Calculator to determine how much you can win from various horse racing wagers. You can calculate to-win and each-way bets, depending on your preferences. You can even include Rule 4 in your potential returns.
Our horse racing calculator is ideal for straight-up bets or exotic wagers, with options for exotic bets like the Super Heinz, Patent, Yankee, Super Flag, and more.
Safer Gambling Portal
You can visit our Safer Gambling Portal to learn about responsible gambling. We provide tools like deposit limits to help you stay in control as you bet on horse racing. You can also learn about self-exclusion and find helpful resources and tips to limit your gambling expenditure and bet within your means.
Sign Up & Bet on Horse Racing Today at Betano
If you’re ready to bet on horse racing online, create an account by visiting the Betano homepage. Then, click the “Sign Up” button and complete the registration form. You can then visit our offers page for the latest horse racing promotions and to unlock a free bet when you make your first deposit.
Horse Racing Betting FAQs
What is the best way to bet on horse racing?
You should bet on horse racing responsibly by adjusting your wager to ensure you’re gambling within your means. You can use our Bet Calculator and Safer Gambling Portal to help you bet on horse racing responsibly.
How do you pick a winning horse?
You must do your research to pick a winning horse. You can also use our Betfinder tool to identify potential trends and opportunities. The more you research, the better your chances of winning are.
What’s the best sportsbook for horse racing betting in the UK?
Betano is among the best sportsbooks for horse racing betting in the UK market. You can access competitive odds, lots of markets, and even exotic betting options. Also, when you sign up and deposit, you will receive a free bet for horse racing.
