Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK 2024

UK horse racing betting is big business for the bookmakers in Britain. In this comprehensive guide, Sportslens.com tells you everything you need to know about the top horse racing betting sites including details of offers and promotions, strategies and horse racing tips for successful gambling and who the main players are.

Top Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

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#1 UK Horse Racing Betting Site
23/10/23

Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets

  • Newly Launched UK Bookie
  • 10 weekly Profit Boosts on horses
  • Best Odds Guaranteed on day
9.9
5 Stars
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New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet to receive 6 x Free Bets: 4 x £10 Horse racing, 2 x £10 Acca Free Bets. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org
29/12/23

Bet £10, Get £30 In Free Bets

Bet £10, Get £30 In Free Bets

  • Daily horse racing specials
  • Plenty of ante post markets
  • Each-Way Plus promotion
9.8
5 Stars
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0
T&Cs apply. New cust only. Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+ BeGambleAware.org.
09/03/22

50% of First Day Losses Back As a Free Bet Up To £25

50% of First Day Losses Back As a Free Bet Up To £25

  • 4 free bet refund deals
  • Up to £100 back on promos
  • BOG from 7am on racedays
9.8
5 Stars
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2
New customer offer only. Must have a minimum of 3 bets of £10 at ods of evens (2.0) or bigger on first day. First day losses equals all settled stakes less all returns. Free bets must be used in their entirety and stakes are deducted from returns. If this promotion is withdrawn it will not impact any qualifying bet you have placed during promotional period
31/05/23

Get 50% Of Your Money Back As A Free Bet If Your Horse Finishes 2nd In Any Live ITV Race

Get 50% Of Your Money Back As A Free Bet If Your Horse Finishes 2nd In Any Live ITV Race

  • Great Greyhound coverage
  • Offers easy Build-a-Bet
  • Physical shops available
9.8
5 Stars
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Offer open to new and existing qualifying customers. Applies to all SINGLE WIN only bets (NOT any part of EW OR MULTIPLE BETS) placed after 8:30am on day of race on the race winner market. Maximum Refund of £25 per race per customer. Applies to all IT
10/07/23

Bet £10 Get £50 in Bonuses

Bet £10 Get £50 in Bonuses

  • Established horse racing bookie
  • Great bonuses for system bets
  • Extra Places races every day
9.8
5 Stars
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WELCOME40
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New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.
14/04/23

Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

  • Weekly Free Acca Bet
  • Live Football Streaming
  • Cash Out Feature
9.7
5 Stars
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2
T&Cs apply. *New members. Offer not available 15/04/23. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from crediting (ex. E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org 18+
08/03/23

Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

  • Spread free bets include horses
  • Fixed odds and buy / sell option
  • Aggregate markets also available
9.7
5 Stars
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18+ begambleaware.org. Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Place a £10 fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1/2. Get 2 x £10 free fixed odds bets + 4 x £5 free spread bets. Ts&Cs Apply.
28/03/23

Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets

Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets

  • Tote+ enhanced dividends
  • Pool betting with SP guaranteed
  • Free horse racing live streaming
9.7
5 Stars
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1
New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £5 and win or lose you will receive £20 Tote Credit. £20 Tote Credit rewarded as £10 redeemable against racing bets only and £10 redeemable against UK and Irish placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after 7 days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. Totewin will be the qualifying bet when a Totewin and a Toteplace bet are struck at the same time. UK & ROI customers only. 18+.  Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleaware.org Full T&Cs apply.
09/03/22

Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet

Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet

  • Swift For Cash Out
  • Simple Betting App
  • Make Fast Withdrawals
9.6
5 Stars
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This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. Max. FreeBet amount: £10 Minimum Deposit and wagering on sport to activate the Free Bet is: £10 Void/cancelled or cashed out bets do not count towards wagering to activate the free bet. Offer valid only to customers making a first deposit of £10 or more.
06/03/23

Bet £10 Get £15 Free Bet

Bet £10 Get £15 Free Bet

  • Top welcome package
  • Great VIP program
  • Various payment methods
9.6
5 Stars
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18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement of the bet. Full T&C's apply.
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Best Horse Racing Betting Sites UK Ranked

These are the best horse racing betting sites in the UK right now:

  1. BetMGM – Our top choice with great offers and price boosts
  2. BetUK –  Dedicated horse racing Free Bet Club offer
  3. Betfred – The Bonus King horse racing betting site in the UK
  4. Bet Goodwin – Free Bet Refunds From Newbies
  5. LiveScoreBet – Weekly free acca bet
  6. PixieBet – Cash out function available
  7. Spreadex – Back horses to win by distances
  8. Tote – Pool betting horse racing bonus
  9. Luckster – Simple betting app
  10. Mr.Play – Great VIP program
  11. Midnite – With fast withdrawals
  12. RhinoBet – BOG on all Irish & UK races
  13. 10bet – Daily free bet promotions
  14. Virgin Bet – 3/1 winner bonus every day
  15. Boylesports – Plenty of horse racing offers
  16. DaznBet – Regular price boosts
  17. QuinnBet – Live stream horse racing for free
  18. bet365 – Top racing promotions
  19. Mr.Mega – In-play options with good functionalities
  20. Betway – Daily boosted offers
  21. Netbet – Above average odds on racing
  22. SportingIndex – Cashback available
  23. Vegasland – Good bet-builder
  24. HeySpin – Offers early cash-out
  25. ZetBet – 77% more extra winnings on your Zet Boost wins
  26. 888Sport – Handy tools and great offers
  27. 21LuckyBet – New sportsbook
  28. Bet Goodwin – Free Bet refunds galore
  29. Tebwin – Excellent live betting functions
  30. Kwiff – 2nd Place Refund promotion
  31. William Hill – Plenty of horse racing promotions

What’s on This Week in Horse Racing in the UK & Ireland

The week commencing 18 March in the world of horse racing in the British Isles sees the focus turn from the jumps after the conclusion of the Cheltenham Festival to the official start of the Flat turf season. That goes ahead in Ireland first with the Curragh staging its first meeting of the year.

Headlined by the Irish Lincolnshire Premier Handicap on Monday, 18 March, the UK follows suit later in the week. The Lincoln Meeting at Doncaster featuring two Listed races and the historic Heritage Handicap of the name takes place on Saturday, 23 March.

Elsewhere on that day, there are valuable jumps races at Newbury in a Grade 2 limited handicap hurdle for novice mares and around Navan. It’s novices over fences that go there in the feature Listed handicap chase.

Sunday, 24 March sees Naas host its first Flat card of the calendar year with the Madrid Handicap and Devoy Stakes on show. Ascot also races on that day with a juveniles only handicap hurdle and the latest leg of the Stayers’ Veterans’ Chase series among the action.

The table below contains all the graded and Listed events taking place in the UK and Ireland this week, plus other valuable handicaps and conditions races down to Class 2 level. There are also any events broadcast live on ITV Racing on terrestrial television, so you know what’s on where and when.

Race Type of Race Class of Race Distance Where When
JCB Triumph Hurdle 4yo Hurdle Race Grade 1 2m 179y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
BetMGM County Hurdle 5yo+ Handicap Hurdle Premier Handicap 2m 179y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Registered as the Spa) 5yo+ Hurdle Race Grade 1 2m 7f 213y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup 5yo+ Steeplechase Grade 1 3m 2f 70y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase 5yo+ Steeplechase Class 2 3m 2f 70y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Registered as the Liberthine) 5yo+ Steeplechase Grade 2 2m 4f 127y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-145) 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle Class 2 2m 4f 56y Cheltenham Friday, 15 March
Boost Your Acca With BetUK Handicap (0-105) 4yo+ AW Handicap Class 2 5f Newcastle Friday, 15 March
Try Unibet’s New Acca Boosts Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (0-135) 5yo+ Handicap Chase Class 3 2m 2f Kempton Saturday, 16 March
Never Ordinary At bet365 Handicap Hurdle (0-130) 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle Class 3 2m 4f Uttoxeter Saturday, 16 March
Read Nicky Henderson’s Exclusive Unibet Blog Handicap Hurdle (0-145) 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle Class 2 2m 5f Kempton Saturday, 16 March
bet365 Handicap Hurdle (0-150) 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle Class 2 2m 7.5f Uttoxeter Saturday, 16 March
Unibet New And Improved Bet Builder Handicap Chase (0-150) 5yo+ Handicap Chase Class 2 2m 4.5f Kempton Saturday, 16 March
bet365 Midlands Grand National 5yo+ Handicap Chase Premier Handicap 4m 2f Uttoxeter Saturday, 16 March
Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Registered as the Native Upmanship) 5yo+ Steeplechase Grade 3 2m 2f Thurles Saturday, 16 March
bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase 5yo+ Handicap Chase Class 2 3m Uttoxeter Saturday, 16 March
Find More Big Deals At BetUK Handicap (0-105) 4yo+ AW Handicap Class 2 1m 4f Wolverhampton Saturday, 16 March
Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes (Fillies & Mares) 3yo+ Flat Race Group 3 1m Curragh Monday, 18 March
Irish Lincolnshire 4yo+ Flat Handicap Premier Handicap 1m Curragh Monday, 18 March
Doncaster Mile Stakes 4yo+ Flat Race Listed 1m Doncaster Saturday, 23 March
DragonBet Handicap Hurdle 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle Class 2 2m 3.5f Bangor Saturday, 23 March
EBF Brocklesby Stakes 2yo Flat Race Class 2 5f Doncaster Saturday, 23 March
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novices’ Handicap Chase Final 5yo+ Handicap Chase Listed 2m 7.5f Navan Saturday, 23 March
Spring Mile Handicap 4yo+ Flat Handicap Class 2 1m Doncaster Saturday, 23 March
Run For Your Money At BetVictor Handicap Chase 5yo+ Handicap Chase Class 2 2m 4f Newbury Saturday, 23 March
Cammidge Trophy Stakes 3yo+ Flat Race Listed 6f Doncaster Saturday, 23 March
British EBF BetVictor National Hunt Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Series Final 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle Grade 2 2m 4.5f Newbury Saturday, 23 March
Lincoln Handicap 4yo+ Flat Handicap Heritage Handicap 1m Doncaster Saturday, 23 March
Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper 4yo-5yo Bumper Class 2 2m 0.5f Newbury Saturday, 23 March
Ascot Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 4yo Handicap Hurdle Class 2 1m 7.5f Ascot Sunday, 24 March
Kevin McManus Bookmaker 4YO Championship INH Flat Race 4yo Bumper Listed 2m Limerick Sunday, 24 March
LK Bennett Handicap Chase (0-145) 5yo+ Handicap Chase Class 2 2m 5f Ascot Sunday, 24 March
Madrid Handicap 3yo+ Flat Handicap Premier Handicap 7f Naas Sunday, 24 March
Leg 4 Of The Stayers’ Veterans’ Chase Series 10yo+ Handicap Chase Class 2 3m Ascot Sunday, 24 March
Devoy Stakes 4yo+ Flat Race Listed 1m 2f Naas Sunday, 24 March

 

A Closer Look at the Top 6 UK Horse Racing Betting Sites

When you are betting on horse racing in the UK, you should ideally take your punts with one of the best online bookmakers. We have all the details that you need to know about the top dogs. Read on as we look in depth at Britain’s best betting sites for horse racing today:

1. 888Sport – So much to offer on Horse Racing

Without a doubt one of the best online horse racing betting sites in the UK, 888Sport have so much to offer if this is your sport. From handy tools like BetFinder, which helps you pick out horses, and BetFeed that shows you popular and trending punts, to the many promotions available. Each Way + provides enhanced place terms on certain races every day. Double Result, meanwhile, guarantees you a payout on the first past the post and any amended result.

888Sport horse racing betting min

You can also Watch and Bet on all British and Irish horse races, plus stream the best of the action from Australia, France and the USA. Back a winner at 4/1 (5.00) or bigger, and receive one £5 free bet per day on 888Sport. With a wealth of both domestic and international races to bet on, they really have it all. As horse racing online betting sites go, this is one of the best.

What we like:

  • Top UK horse racing bookie
  • BetFeed and BetFinder tools
  • Each Way + gives extra places
  • Watch and Bet from 5 countries
  • Double Result deal covers you

What we don’t:

  • 4/1 Winner bonus just once a day
  • Sportsbook layout could be better

2. Betfred – Industry Big Boys & The Bonus King of Horse Racing 

Another of the top horse racing betting online platforms is Betfred. Backed by land-based betting shops the length and breadth of Britain, this firm is one of the established elite when it comes to internet gambling. Horse racing plays a big part at “The Bonus King” with so many offers available. Chief among them are popular promotions like Free Bet if 2nd and Extra Place Races for those punters who like to play each way.

Betfred horse racing betting min

What sets Betfred apart from other top UK horse racing betting sites is their deals on system and combination bets. Their All Correct Bonuses are paid in cash and provide you with bonus winnings on Yankees, Canadians, Heinz wagers and Lucky bets like Lucky 15, 31 and 63. The One Winner Bonuses are some consolation too. With a full horse racing betting service covering all major events around the globe, Betfred are one of the big boys.

What we like:

  • Heavyweights of British betting industry
  • All Winner Bonuses add extra value
  • Extra Places and Money Back if 2nd
  • Regular horse racing specials on site
  • Complete service for this sport available

What we don’t:

  • Slow to put up tomorrow’s international markets
  • More overseas ante post betting would be nice

3. Bet Goodwin – Free bet refunds from newbies

One of the new betting sites in the UK, Bet Goodwin cover horse racing in a big way. They have quite a few free bet refund promotions open to all customers. These return your stake up to £100 in the form of a bonus if your horse loses by a nose, if leading and falling at the last over jumps, if beat less than half-a-length in a chase and if coming second to a 50/1 shot or bigger priced runner. Bet Goodwin are also Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish action from 7am on race days.

Bet Goodwin are one of the best new horse racing betting sites

Besides horse racing odds and markets every day for the action in the British Isles, Bet Goodwin have prices from North and South America, Hong Kong and Japan and events in the Middle East. There are good ante post option on all the big future festivals and meetings too. The only thing missing really is live streaming but we’re sure Bet Goodwin will add this in time.

What we like:

  • New UK horse racing bookmaker
  • Several Free Bet refund deals
  • Great range of ante post bet
  • BOG from 7am on race days
  • Simple welcome offer

What we don’t:

  • No live streaming available
  • Menu could be better

4. Kwiff – New and intriguing British bookie

As new kids on the block, Kwiff are one of the new horse racing betting sites UK punters can wager on. While they establish themselves in the region and industry, there are encouraging signs. Kwiff includes horse racing in their weekly Loyalty Club offer. This provides a novel, additional £10 in surprise bets to go with a guaranteed £10 cash bonus when you wager at least £250 on accas. This is great if you like placing trebles or accumulators.

Kwiff horse racing betting min

Kwiff also have more traditional horse racing promotions on their sportsbook too. These include the 2nd Place Refund deal if your horse finishes runner-up to the SP favourite. As Kwiff also pays out on the First Past The Post regardless of horse racing results amended by a steward’s enquiry, you are covered either way. With markets across multiple countries, this is a strong start from these newbies as they build their profile.

What we like:

  • New UK horse racing bookmaker
  • Loyalty Club great for accas
  • 2nd Place Refund returns stakes
  • First Past The Post covers you
  • International horse racing markets

What we don’t:

  • No ante post horse racing markets
  • Best Odds Guaranteed needed

5. Tote – Pool betting experts

If pool betting like the placepot bet appeals, then the Tote offer a major alternative to regular fixed odds betting on horse racing. Founded way back in 1928, they are Britain’s biggest parimutuel betting outlet. Payouts are called dividends and, through Tote+, punters receive enhanced returns. There is also the Tote Guarantee, which pledges to match the regular fixed odds starting price (SP) no matter how popular a horse is among the pool.

Tote horse racing betting sites

On top of that, all Tote customers can get weekly horse racing free bet up of up to £10 when you place 6x Racing Pool bets of £2, £5 or £10 the previous week. There is also horse racing live streaming available free of charge. New customers have a bet £10 and get £30 in free bets deal too. Back horses to win and place in races, exotics like Exactas and Trifectas, and in multiples like Quadpots and Tote Jackpots.

What we like:

  • Match SP guarantee
  • Bigger dividends with Tote+
  • Win, Place & Exotic pool bets
  • Free horse racing live streaming
  • Recharge £10 free bet weekly deal

What we don’t:

  • Doesn’t offer fixed odds bets
  • No Best Odds Guaranteed

6. Boylesports – Feel the passion for horse racing

Although Boylesports are an Irish bookmaker, they have a major presence in the online marketplace in Britain. When it comes to horse racing betting sites UK punters use, this firm does well because they have lots to offer. From their Acca Insurance and Loyalty Bonus for those who place multiples to Extra Place races, daily horse racing specials and more, this sport is a major part of what Boylesports is all about.

Boylesports horse racing betting min

They also run the Free Bet if 2nd to the SP Fav deal seen on other top horse race betting sites too. Featured meetings appear on the right-hand side of the Boylesports sportsbook. There are also handy tabs to navigate through Highlights, Race Cards, Specials, Virtuals and even Antepost horse racing betting markets. This puts Boylesports among the best in class.

What we like:

  • Acca Insurance and Loyalty includes horses
  • Free Bet if 2nd to SP Fav runs every day
  • Clever layout and design of section
  • Daily horse racing specials available
  • Extra Place races on offer each day

What we don’t:

  • More international antepost markets needed
  • Virtual racing prominent on section page

How We Rank the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites UK

The top horse racing online betting sites all have similar qualities, so how do trusted experts at Sportslens.com rank them? A safe and secure gambling environment is paramount, but that goes for any general sports betting platform. Here, we show you the key factors that helped us separate the wheat from the chaff:

  • Horse Racing Offers

    It can be among your expectations that the best horse racing betting sites in Britain will have offers and promotions specific to the sport. Many have become familiar to seasoned punters such as Money Back or Free Bet if 2nd deals, Extra Place races for each way betting enthusiasts and daily specials. A top bookie also pays out on First Past the Post but also any amended result following a steward’s inquiry. With their incredible system and combination bet offers, Betfred are definitely one of the best sites for promotions relating to British horse racing.

  • Types of Bet

    Any sportsbook just offering the basics of win only and each way on horse races certainly isn’t going far enough. You should have a vast range of wagers at your disposal. A top site provides Match betting between two horses, place only, without the favourite, fallers insurance, distance betting, ante post markets and even Tote or pool betting through parimutuel services that works differently to regular fixed odds. At Ladbrokes all this and more like bets in running are available.

  • Horse Races Covered

    Even though our concern is with British horse racing here, the sport is obviously huge on a global scale. It’s not simply enough for a top betting site to cover the main UK races and events like the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Royal Ascot. Markets on big races abroad are as essential as the bread and butter of daily domestic betting. You should look out for ante post horse racing betting odds for major overseas action including the Melbourne Cup in Australia, Breeders’ Cup in the USA and big races closer to home in France and Ireland. William Hill takes a strong look at the global picture.

  • The Best Odds

    Everyone wants the top price on any bet they place, not just horse racing wagers. Almost all bookies provide the Best Odds Guaranteed on British and Irish races for punts taken on the day. The top sportsbooks must go further and ensure competitive ante post prices, or like Bet365 issue a Price Promise to be the industry leader in terms of odds once final declarations are known. That way you know you are getting real value.

  • Special Features

    Streaming horse races that you bet on live has become an important part of the gambling experience. Results services are good but actually seeing how your fancy gets on is better. Top bookies not only have this but handy tools and even horse racing betting tips from experts to help you find winners. When it comes to these special features, 888Sport has plenty to offer you in terms of live streams and its BetFinder and BetFeed tools, plus all the picks from horse racing ratings brand Timeform.

Key Features of Top UK Sites When Betting on Horse Racing

You may be wondering more about the key features a top sportsbook in the UK should have when it comes to horse racing betting provision. The table below shows whether or not our 10 best sites for this sport tick all the boxes:

Bookie Each Way Specials Cashout Live Streaming Best Odds Guaranteed Acca Offers
888Sport logo fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield
Kwiff logo fa shield close fa shield fa shield close fa shield close fa shield
Betfred logo fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield
tote logo fa shield close fa shield fa shield fa shield close fa shield
logo boylesports fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield
logo quinnbet fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield
William Hill fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield
Virgin Bet logo fa shield close fa shield fa shield fa shield fa shield
Spreadex Logo fa shield close fa shield fa shield close fa shield close fa shield close
BetUK logo
fa shield fa shield fa shield close fa shield close fa shield

Horse Racing Betting Strategy That Works 

Alongside horse racing betting in the UK, it is important to have a strategy in place before you start wagering. Many so-called systems are billed as foolproof, but the fact is that you will still lose from time to time. What a good horse racing betting strategy does is help you make better informed decisions ahead of taking a punt. It should also help you find winners more often than not. Here are some of the most popular:

Each Way Betting

This may seem obvious, but each way betting mitigates the risk of a horse racing bet losing to some extent. Rather than just wagering on an outright win, you can cover yourself and still get a return if your horse finishes in a place. The horse racing betting terms on offer for places will either be a quarter or a fifth of the win price depending on the number of runners and race type.

Any horse racing with fewer than five runners won’t have each way betting. However, those with five to seven horses in them pay a quarter of outright odds for two places. Eight or more in a conditions race is a fifth for three places. If the race is a handicap and has between eight and 11 runners, then the terms are the same. Handicaps with 12 to 15 horses competing are a quarter for three places. For those handicap races with 16 or more runners, bookies pay four places at a quarter of outright odds.

With so many of the best online horse racing betting sites offering extra place races, each way wagers come recommended. Enhanced place terms extending the above make things more favourable for you. You just have to make sure that the fraction of the odds you take aren’t so small that you would lose money based on your total stake in the event of getting a return. 

Dutching

Ever heard of hedging your bets? That’s precisely what Dutching is all about. Many horse races are incredibly competitive, where it is easy to make cases for several winning. In this situation, it is not a wise horse racing betting strategy if you put all your eggs in one basket. You can always bet on two or more horses in the same race.

You must accept that there can be only one winner, or in the event of a dead heat you receive half of your stake to the full SP on both horses involved. When favourites win on average about a third of the time, then the second favourite in a fifth of races and third in the betting around 15% successful, you can cover two-thirds of the likely potential outcomes in a race. All you have to do is back them all.

It would be even better strategy wise to combine Dutching with each way bets. You may end up getting the winner and a placed horse both yielding profit in that instance if luck is on your side. Remember to net off losing win parts of each way wagers when horses place. Dutching should serve you well in some of the biggest British horse races every year.

Beaten Favourites

As noted above, the favourite only wins horse races around a third of the time. That does not mean they will disappoint again, however. There may be reasons why a horse loses despite being the most fancied. It may have endured a troubled passage through the race. If there is a wall of horses in front of it, there’s no way through. Going or distance may not have suited the horse either. Race terms such as penalties, sex allowances or weight for age might have been against it.

You should not simply give up on a horse just because it didn’t meet market expectations on one occasion. The bookmakers will probably put it in the market at bigger odds for its next race. Close study of the conditions, surface, terms and trips may actually suggest the horse can give a better account of themselves. Keep this particular strategy in your back pocket.

Horse Racing Exchange Betting

You may have heard of betting on the exchanges in relation to horse racing. This is where the serious and experienced punters place their bets. Unlike fixed odds, this is what they call peer to peer betting. An exchange like Betfair or Smarkets will charge commission for facilitating your wagers. You can both back horses to win or for a certain number of places but also lay horses to lose if you don’t fancy them.

Betfair Exchange horse racing betting min

As the above shows, exchanges show you where the money is going. Big sums of money, over £400,000 in total, are wagered on big Group 1 races like the Nunthorpe Stakes at York during the Ebor Festival. The different exchange markets are listed along the top. Bets for a horse, the equivalent of backing them, are on the left-hand side. Wagers against a horse, also known as laying (and more on that below), are on the right.

Your proposed wager needs matching by another punter, but you can set the odds. That means you could end up winning more on the exchanges than you would through a fixed odds bookmaker better, despite the commission fees. On the downside, if you lose you end up owing money to the person who took your bet on. There are fewer exchanges than fixed odds betting sites, but the likes of Ladbrokes and Matchbook do provide this type of service too.

Horse Racing Lay Betting

When betting on the exchanges, the option to lay a horse can be very tempting. There may be genuine reasons why you don’t fancy horses for certain races. The ground or trip may not be right, or the race terms unfavourable. It is good that you have the option on the Betfair Exchange and Matchbook, for example.

Betfair lay horse racing betting min

Say you wanted to lay Golden Pal in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York. You click on the lay prices and find the backer’s odds you want to take. You can then match their stake and get your peer to peer bet on. There can be only one winner bar a dead heat, so laying has its advantages in that, if the horse finishes anywhere but first your wager comes off.

Laying the favourite could be a rewarding tactic on betting exchanges like Ladbrokes Exchange and Smarkets, because they only win races about a third of the time. That means on two out of three occasions they lose. It could prove profitable to do it, but just remember the risks attached with laying horses. Should it win, then you will owe the person whose back bet stake you matched money at the odds they set.

Top New Horse Racing Betting Sites UK

New horse racing betting platforms open to British customers more often than you might think. We shall come on to the established bookmakers in the UK later. You may be wondering what, if any, advantages there are in betting with a newbie. There may be a better sign up offer for new customers on offer.

If you have already joined or previously been a punter on big name bookies, then you can’t avail yourself of any welcome bonus. With a new kid on the block, you know for sure this is your first time. Check out the toplist of new bookmakers below:

  1. Kwiff – Supercharge your horse racing bets
  2. Parimatch – Backed up by BetVictor brand
  3. BetUK – Each Way Plus deal on horse
  4. Hollywoodbets – Great horse racing offers
  5. LiveScore Bet – BOG and live stream races

The Most Experienced UK Horse Racing Betting Sites

If betting on horse racing is new to you, then you may not be aware who some of the established British bookmakers are. These are four betting sites with so many years of experience behind them. Each started out as trackside bookies, then went into betting shops and later embraced the revolution in internet gambling.

Ladbrokes Horse Racing Betting – Bet £5 to Get £20

logo ladbrokesThrough continuing sponsorship of the big staying handicap chase at Newbury, the Ladbrokes Trophy, horse racing has always been vital to this bookie. With Extra Place races every day attracting each way betting interest, they are major players in the British gambling industry. Ladbrokes horse racing betting remains a tour de force with live streaming also available on all the UK and Irish action.

William Hill Horse Racing Betting – Bet £10 to Get £40 in Free Bets and £10 Casino Bonus

William HillWe have already touched on William Hill horse racing betting on this page. Their daily Bet Boost gives you the chance to enhance the odds on one horse that you fancy. Their Pick Your Places and Lengthen Your Odds promotion is great for each way betting, putting you in control of the horse racing betting terms on offer. William Hill also have Extra Places every day, and they will always be held in high regard in the British betting industry.

Bet365 Horse Racing Betting – Get up to £100 in Bet Credits

Bet365 logoAt Bet365, they take horse racing betting very seriously. Although a product of the internet age, from humble beginnings in Stoke, they have risen to the very top. Their Each Way Extra deal allows you to take more or fewer places. Bet365 are also one of the fastest bookies for issuing the Best Odds Guaranteed, and have many other offers tied in with horse racing broadcast on terrestrial TV through ITV Racing. Their terrific welcome bonus is perfect for signing up to during a major festival in this sport too.

Coral Horse Racing Betting – Bet £5 to Get £20 Free Bets

Coral logoThe Coral horse racing betting on offer can be geared around some of their major sponsorships. From the Coral-Eclipse on the Flat at Sandown Park over the summer to the Coral Welsh Grand National after Christmas, Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival and Coral Scottish Grand National in the spring, they sponsor both big conditions and handicap races. Coral are also known for being one of the fastest online bookies to offer Best Odds Guaranteed following final declarations. They too have Extra Place races on a daily basis, and remain stalwarts of the betting sector in the UK.

Top UK Horse Racing Betting Markets to Bet On

The top horse race betting sites in the UK all offer a great range of different markets. You will find the most popular of bet types with British bookies listed below:

  • Win

    Many people like to keep things simple and bet on the outright winner of the horse race. This bet pays out on the First Past the Post, an amended result following a steward’s inquiry or in the event of a dead heat half your stake to the full SP. With their Price Promise promotion, Bet365 are among the best for betting on a win.

  • Each Way

    Betting each way is popular because it mitigates the risk of losing. There are two wagers in one here, so your unit stake doubles. You back a horse both to win and for a place. The precise nature of the place terms offered by bookies varies depending on the type of race and number of runners. Top UK horse racing betting sites like 888Sport will have extra place races each and every day, giving you every incentive to put wagers on.

  • Without the Favourite

    There are times when the favourite is such a short price that there is little value siding with them. That horse may well win the race, but if you cannot even double your money what is the point. In such circumstances, betting without the favourite becomes a popular alternative. Here, if your fancied runner beats the favourite and wins the race or finishes second to it, then the bet pays out. Among the top bookies, Betfair has generous without the favourite markets.

  • Matches (Head to Head)

    A match bet in horse racing is where you wager on one named horse beating another. Your fancy doesn’t have to win the race, just finish in front of its rival. This is popular when two horses have a history of meeting, and the weights may have swung in one’s favour. Horse racing match betting is part of the service that William Hill provides.

  • Ante Post

    There are pros and cons to betting on horse racing ante post, yet it remains popular. Taking a punt in advance almost guarantees you better odds as fancied runners shorten up following final declarations and on the day of the race. However, you cannot bet ante post in conjunction with bookmaker offers. You also are not guaranteed a run for your money. Again, Bet365 offers a great range of ante post betting odds.

  • Accumulators

    Although not quite so popular as on top football betting sites, accumulators or accas for short still have their place in horse racing. From doubles and trebles to more complex bets, all legs must win or place if you go each way to receive a return. That can be tricky to pull off, yet the odds are multiplied ensuring massive profit if you pull it off. Among the top bookies for horse racing accas are QuinnBet as they run a specific bonus.

  • Combination and System Bets

    More complex still are Combination and System wagers, which are multiples like accumulators but covering singles, doubles, trebles and up. There are many combinations, hence the term, yet to gain a return some only need one or two horses to win. The undisputed kings of horse racing system bets are Betfred, who reward your bravery in placing them with bonus deals and extra winnings.

  • Specials

    As with any other sport, there are special bets you can place on horse racing. From the Flat Trainers’ Championship to the Irish National Hunt Jockeys’ Title, favourites indexes, and combined winning distance wagers, there is plenty relating to individual meetings and the season as a whole to take a punt on. These sorts of specials and more can be found on Coral where they are popular.

The Best Horse Racing Betting Online Offers

All the best betting sites for horse racing have great offers. From welcome bonuses that new customers can use on the sport to other promotions, it is good for you to know what the top deals you can get are. Let’s take a look at the best in class for horse racing betting offers:

1. QuinnBet – Acca Bonus

logo quinnbetAccumulators may be most popular with football nowadays, but they have their roots in horse racing. QuinnBet knows this and offers free bet bonuses as a winnings percentage up to £50 when you place doubles, trebles and accumulators. If there are two legs to your bet, then the bonus is 2%. For a treble, it is 5%. Fourfold accas is 10%, while on fivefolds and up you get 20%. Just make sure the minimum odds of each leg at 3/10 (1.30) to get the Acca Bonus.

2. Betfred – All Correct Bonuses

Betfred logoWith system and combination bets, Betfred proves worthy of its “Bonus King” status by providing you with additional winnings in cash. Lucky 15s and Yankee bets come with a 10% bonus, while Lucky 31s and Canadians have double that at 20%. If you’re really bold and place a Lucky 63 or Heinz on horse racing, then it’s 25% additional winnings. Remember, each of your selections must run and win to get All Correct Bonuses.

3. Betfair – My Odds Boost

Betfair logoEnhancing the price you can get on a horse is a classic bookmaker offer, but Betfair puts you in control. You can increase the odds and potential profit for the one you fancy, instead of the bookies putting forward the one they want you to bet on. My Odds Boost gives you the next recognised industry price up from the current Betfair sportsbook fixed odds price. You can stake up to £25 using it and must have bet within the last 30 days to receive it.

4. William Hill – Pick Your Places

William HillAt William Hill, the Pick Your Places promotion allows you to add or take away places for each way betting on horse racing. If you reduce the number of places, then you can Lengthen Your Odds. This offer only applies to bets struck on UK horse races after 10am on the day of the race. Pick Your Places is for each-way single wagers only. If there are non-runners, then standard industry terms may apply to your bet.

5. 888Sport – 4/1 Winner 

888Sport logoMany bookies have a winner bonus, but 888Sport extend theirs to horse racing. Once a day, if you back a winning horse at odds of 4/1 (5.00) or bigger after staking at least £10, you get a £5 free bet on top of your winnings. You must claim your free bet within 3 days, but it should be awarded on your successful wager being settled. The free bet expires after 7 days.

Key Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained

You will come across lots of industry specific terms when you wager online. No horse racing betting guide would be complete without a glossary. Read our list below, so you are in the know:

All-Weather

Horse races don’t all take place on turf or dirt but also a range of artificial surfaces that can be used during the winter. All-Weather racecourses in the UK use tapeta, fibresand and polytrack. These are manufactured using rubber as a base so that moisture from rain gets absorbed.

Allowances

Within conditions races, there are certain allowances given to horses in particular circumstances. Three-year-olds on the Flat always get weight for age from their elders. Over jumps, it is the same for four-year-olds racing outside of their generation. Fillies and mares also get sex allowances in open company against colts and geldings. This is more generous under National Hunt Rules at 7lb, with only 3lb received on the Flat.

Blinkers

There is headgear that trainers can put on racehorses which helps them to concentrate while they are running. Blinkers, as their name suggests, shield a horse’s eyes from what is going on around them. This should in theory help them to run straighter and wander about less.

Cheekpieces

Another item of headgear, these allow a racehorse more peripheral vision than blinkers yet still block other runners from view on either side of them. A trainer may try cheekpieces before resorting to blinkers, or just to sharpen a horse’s performance up after wayward signs on previous races or in their work on the gallops.

Classics

Age restricted races to three-year-old colts and fillies in the UK and Ireland. Classics, which include the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, The Derby and the St Leger have vital importance for the future of thoroughbred breeding. Winners of these races or their Irish equivalents are virtually guaranteed to have careers at stud or as broodmares depending on their gender.

Colt

A male horse aged between two and four who remains entire is called a colt. This applies to any horse who doesn’t have a gelding operation before the age of five. Thereafter, entire colts are simply referred to as horses.

Dead Heat

Where two or more horses cannot be split in a photo finish by the judge for determining places. In horse racing betting terms, the result of a dead heat is bookmakers paying out on both (or more) at half your stake wagered to the full SP.

Favourite

The favourite is the horse with the shortest price available with the bookmakers for a particular race. Some favourites can be strong in that they may be odds-on, and others weak.

Filly

A female horse aged between two and four is called a filly. As three-year-olds, fillies can contest Classic races like the 1000 Guineas and The Oaks in the UK, plus their Irish equivalents.

Fixed Odds

The betting odds offered by bookmakers are called Fixed Odds. These may be different from but based on the prices available on the exchanges.

Furlong

All horse races in the UK and Ireland are measured in miles and furlongs. There are eight furlongs in a mile. Horse races on the Flat in the British Isles range from five furlongs up to almost two-and-three-quarter miles. Jumps races in the UK and Ireland vary from about two miles to four-and-a-quarter miles.

Gelding

Any male horse that has undergone a gelding operation is called a gelding. This is common in National Hunt horses, so that their reproductive organs don’t get in the way while jumping hurdles or steeplechase fences, but also among older Flat horses not wanted for breeding.

Handicap

Horse races where the official ratings of the assessor, the British Horseracing Authority handicapper, determine the weights carried. In handicaps, every other horse is relative to the top weight and its official rating. There may be weight for age allowances in handicaps, but fillies and mares do not receive sex allowances.

Juvenile

Defining what a juvenile horse is depends on the code of horse racing in the UK and Ireland. On the Flat, juveniles are two-year-olds. Over jumps, this term applies to horses aged three at the start of the National Hunt season who turn four midway through the campaign.

Mare

Any female horse aged five and over is called a mare. It is more common to see mares kept in training in the National Hunt code than on the Flat.

Non-Runner

Any horse that is withdrawn for any reason following final declarations and horses coming under starter’s orders for a race is called a Non-Runner. Taking a horse out of the race, even at the last minute, can cause the market to change.

Rule 4

A Rule 4 deduction is one of Tattersalls Rules of Racing, which states that if a horse is withdrawn from a race at odds of 14/1 (15.0) or shorter, then a deduction of so many pence in the pound sterling (GBP) applies to any bets struck after final declaration. The shorter the price a runner was before being taken out, then the greater the deduction in increments of 5p (£0.05).

SP

The industry abbreviation for Starting Price. These are the odds that a horse was sent off in the race with fixed odds bookmakers. SP used to be calculated based purely through on-course betting but this changed to consider an aggregate of leading online bookmakers. It is also referred to as the price a horse returned at.

Where to Get the Best Horse Racing Betting Odds

Everyone wants top horse racing betting odds when they place their wages. The Best Odds Guaranteed promotion is almost universal among British bookies, yet some bring this into effect earlier than others. Here are three of the best for horse racing early betting odds today:

Top 3 Horse Racing Betting Sites UK for Best Odds Guaranteed

  1. Bet365 – Get up to £30 in bet credits
  2. Coral – Bet £5 to Get £20 in free bets
  3. 888Sport – Bet £10 to Get £30 in free bets

Top Horse Racing Betting Sites With Live Streaming

Now a key part of the gambling experience, live streaming the horse that you bet on is something that any of the best betting sites for horse racing should provide. Certainly all UK and Irish horse races should be available to stream, so here are the top dogs when it comes to watching the action live:

Bookmaker Requirements for horse racing live stream Visit bookie
logo quinnbet UK, Ireland, France, USA and Australia, all for free Watch Now
888Sport logo UK, Ireland, France, USA, Australia Watch & Bet deal Watch Now
Bet365 logo UK, Ireland, France, USA, Australia, Brazil, Dubai, India, Singapore, South Africa must have funded account or bet within the last 24 hours Watch Now
William Hill Betting TV 1 and 2 has free live UK and Irish horse racing Watch Now
logo ladbrokes Positive account balance or place bet within the last 24 hours Watch Now
Virgin Bet logo UK and international races must have funded account, Ireland place a £1 bet to qualify Watch Now

Our Horse Racing Betting Guide to Big UK Meetings and Races

horse racingThere are some huge horse races and meetings in the UK throughout the year that people like to bet on. Whether it is a Group or Grade 1 feature race, a valuable and prestigious handicap or an entire festival, there is something for everyone in the horse racing betting community. The table below lists 10 of the biggest events with more details about the top three underneath:

Race or Meeting Course Type Distance(s) When Level
Cheltenham Festival Cheltenham National Hunt 2m to 3m 6f March 14 Grade 1 races
Grand National Aintree National Hunt 4m 2f April Grade 3 handicap chase
Guineas Weekend Newmarket Flat Rowley Mile May 2 Group 1 Classics
Derby Festival Epsom Downs Flat 1m 4f May/June 3 Group 1 races including 2 Classics
Royal Ascot Ascot Flat 5f to 2m 5f June 8 Group 1 races
Glorious Goodwood Goodwood Flat 5f to 2m 4f July/August 3 Group 1 races
Ebor Festival York Flat 5f to 2m August 3 Group 1 races
St Leger Festival Doncaster Flat 5f to 2m 2f September 1 Group 1 Classic
British Champions Day Ascot Flat 6f to 2m October 4 Group 1 races
King George VI Chase Kempton Park National Hunt 3m December Grade 1 steeplechase

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival bettingFor four days each March, the best jumps horses in the UK and Ireland compete at the Cheltenham Festival. This is the top National Hunt meeting in the British Isles with key races including the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup itself. There are many top level novice hurdle races and novice steeplechases during the Festival too.

Grand National

Grand National bettingAs the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Grand National captures public attention in a way like no other horse race. It has often been said that two-thirds of the UK adult population bet on the Aintree marathon, a handicap chase over 30 famous fences and a gruelling 4m 2f in April. Whether you really study the form, or just like the name and colours a horse carries around the Liverpool venue, the National is part of the British sporting consciousness.

Epsom Derby

As the premier Classic and most valuable horse race in the British Isles, The Derby on Epsom Downs has its own special place in sporting history. The best three year-old-colts and fillies compete there over the first weekend in June. While the females tackle The Oaks, it’s all about the Epsom Derby for the boys over 1m 4f and a guaranteed career at stud for winning it. This is a big day. Epsom Derby betting develops as many Classic trials throughout the spring take place.

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot bettingThe Queen at the races? This is why horse racing is called the sport of kings, and Her Majesty is often in attendance at Royal Ascot. From the royal procession before racing begins each day to the eight Group 1 races on the track, this is the premier Flat festival in the British Isles with good reason. For five days each June, the best thoroughbred from the UK, Ireland and beyond do battle in Berkshire. There are now 35 races to bet on at Royal Ascot every year.

The Ultimate Horse Racing Betting Tips

Betting on horse racing remains so popular, but what about tricks of the trade? If you are something of a novice, then you may not know how the pros and seasoned gamblers go about making the most of their punting. Read on below as we reveal our top horse racing betting tips that can help you:

Get Your Bets on Early

The sooner you place your horse racing wagers, the better. There is an old saying about the early bird catching the worm. In gambling terms, taking horse racing early betting odds may provide you value that is denied to others later. If you get on quickly, then it may be before gambles start developing. Playing ante post comes with risks but, if you are prepared for the long game, then the rewards – namely, greater profit – are there.

Be a Student of Form

Horse racing isn’t one of those sports where you can wing it and expect to be successful sadly. You need to arm yourself with as much data as possible, so you can reach an informed decision. Studying stats, trends and form can help you. After all, this is precisely what the best horse racing tipsters do before making their selections. It won’t guarantee that you have bet on the winner, but you are so much more likely to find it than without doing it. Study shouldn’t be seen as a chore, but a tool that helps you when betting.

Look for Each Way Value

It is great backing a winner, but there are times when there is no value in doing so. Each way alternatives are always something to consider. Remember, the favourite only wins about a third of the time on average, so it pays statistically to look beyond for something else. Successful betting isn’t just about winning, it is also about not losing. Unless there are fewer than five runners, lookout for an each way angle when betting on the horses.

No Sense in Betting on Everything

The reality is that you won’t be able to find the winner every time you bet on horses. Some races are just too difficult or wide open to have a serious wager on. One of the keys to successful betting is knowing when not to bet. If the odds aren’t in your favour, or no obvious candidate emerges from the field, then it’s probably best left alone. There is always another day to bet, but only if you gamble responsibly and don’t bet on everything.

For more on horse racing tips today, we’ve got expert picks aplenty right across SportsLens. These cover the sport of kings in the UK, Ireland and beyond on a daily basis from all sorts of angles. Every single one of our experts’ tips are free to see as that’s the way it should be.

From our very best bet, the NAP of the Day, to Spreadex analysis and the latest from big names in the world of horse racing, it’s all available here. These are great sources of value bets – and hopefully winners too. We’d encourage you to make regular visits to SportsLens to see what we put up, as there’s something for everyone.

Not only are there the NAP, spread betting angles and picks from high-profile tipsters but free Lucky 15 tips for today for those punters who like combination and system bets too. These put four of the best bets together on one betslip, giving you the chance to win big off a small stake.

The Last Word

That is about all for our look at horse racing betting. From great offers and deals to famous races, tips and strategies, you should know a lot more about wagering on this sport than when you arrived on this page. As with anything, when betting on horse racing betting sites in the UK, do so sensibly. It can be tougher to find winners than in other sports where there are only two or three outcomes, so remember that and stake accordingly.

Our Top Rated UK Horse Racing Betting Site

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