This detailed horse racing betting guide provides an overview of the sport and offers valuable insights into the key factors that affect race conditions and outcomes. Discover helpful resources and websites to assist you in analysing horses and jockeys, and make better-informed decisions when betting on the races.
About Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing betting is a form of gambling where bettors wager on the outcome of horse races at the track or through online betting sites. Bets can be placed for individual horses to win, place, or both (each way). A number of other intricate bet types exist for horse racing, involving the order in which horses finish the race.
Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world, with a rich history and tradition dating back many centuries. Racing fans not only enjoy the horse racing itself, but also the social and cultural events that accompany it, such as fashion shows, music performances, and food and drink festivals.
Horse racing is prominent in several countries, with some of the most famous races including the Kentucky Derby in the United States, the Grand National in the United Kingdom, and the Melbourne Cup in Australia.
Why Bet On Horse Racing?
Popular Horse Racing Competitions
There are many prestigious horse racing events which take place across the UK, Ireland, the USA and several other parts of the world. Stand-out competitions include:
- Royal Ascot: A world-renowned horse racing event held annually in June at Ascot Racecourse in England, known for its rich history, tradition, and strict dress code.
- The Grand National: An annually held National Hunt horse race in April at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, known for its challenging obstacles and being one of the most watched horse races in the UK and Ireland.
- Cheltenham Festival: An annual horse racing event in March in Cheltenham, England, featuring a series of important races including the Gold Cup, the Champion Hurdle, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
- Epsom Derby: An annual flat horse race held in June at Epsom Downs Racecourse in England for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, considered one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the world and a major event in the British sporting calendar.
- Irish Derby: An annual flat horse race held in June at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, considered one of the most important races in the Irish horse racing calendar.
- Kentucky Derby: An annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky in May, known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports” and the first leg of the American Triple Crown for three-year-old thoroughbred horses.
- Dubai World Cup: An annual horse race held in March at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, considered the world’s richest horse race with a purse of $12 million and attracting top horses from around the globe.
- Melbourne Cup: An annual horse race held in Melbourne, Australia in November, known as the “race that stops a nation” and one of the richest two-mile horse races in the world.
- The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: An annual horse race held in Paris, France in October, considered one of the most prestigious horse races in the world for horses three years old and up.
Considerations For Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing can be considered a complex sport due to the multiple factors that can impact a horse’s performance and the various betting options available.
However, with some knowledge and understanding of these factors, bettors make more informed decisions and potentially increase their chances of success.
Here’s some of the most important factors to consider while betting on horse racing:
Form
“Form” refers to the recent performance of a horse and is a key factor in determining its chances of winning a race. Some ways that form can impact horse racing include:
- Confidence: Horses that have recently won races or performed well are often more confident, which can give them an edge in races.
- Physical condition: The physical condition of the horse, including its weight and muscle tone, can impact its performance in races. Horses in top form are generally in better physical condition and can run faster.
- Experience: Horses that have raced frequently and have a lot of experience are often better equipped to handle the pressure of a race.
- Jockey form: The form of the jockey, including their recent success and performance, can also impact the horse’s performance in races.
Weather
Weather can have a significant impact on horse racing as it affects the performance of horses and jockeys. Some ways weather can impact horse racing include:
- Surface conditions: Wet or muddy tracks can slow down horses and increase the risk of injury, while hot and dry tracks can tire horses more quickly.
- Visibility: Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can impact the jockey’s visibility and ability to navigate the track safely.
- Comfort: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect the comfort of horses and jockeys, impacting their performance in the race.
- Traction: Weather conditions can also impact the traction of the horses, making it more difficult for them to maintain their footing on the track.
It’s important to consider the weather conditions when betting on horse racing, as it can have a significant impact on the outcome of the race.
Jockey
The jockey is a key component of horse racing and can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race. Some ways that jockeys can impact horse racing include:
- Skill: The skill of the jockey, including their experience and ability to read the race, can impact the horse’s performance. A skilled jockey can help guide the horse through the race, positioning it for the best chance of winning.
- Tactics: Jockeys can use tactics such as pacing and positioning to gain an advantage in the race. They can also use the whip to encourage their horse to run faster.
- Weight: The weight carried by the jockey and horse can impact the horse’s speed and performance. A lighter jockey means a lighter weight for the horse, allowing it to run faster.
- Communication: The relationship between the jockey and horse is crucial, with good communication between them often resulting in improved performance.
It’s also worth noting that some jockeys have a strong track record and may have a better win rate than others, making them a valuable factor to consider.
Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in horse racing and can impact a horse’s speed, endurance, and overall performance. Some ways that genetics can impact horse racing include:
- Bloodlines: The bloodlines of a horse, or its lineage, can provide insight into its potential abilities and characteristics. Horses from strong bloodlines may be more likely to perform well in races.
- Physical attributes: Certain physical attributes, such as the horse’s conformation, can also be influenced by genetics and impact its performance in races. For example, horses with long, muscular legs may have an advantage over horses with shorter legs.
- Temperament: The temperament of a horse, such as its level of aggression or docility, can also be influenced by genetics and impact its performance in races. Horses that are more aggressive may be more difficult to control, while horses that are more docile may not be as competitive.
- Endurance: The endurance of a horse can also be influenced by genetics, with some horses being naturally more suited to longer races.
When betting on horse racing, it’s important to consider the genetics of the horse, as they can impact its performance in the race. This information can often be found in racing form guides, which provide details on the horse’s bloodlines, physical attributes, and other key factors.
Weight
Weight is an important factor in horse racing, as it can impact the horse’s speed and performance. Some ways that weight can impact horse racing include:
- Carrying weight: The weight carried by the horse and jockey can impact the horse’s speed and performance, with heavier horses often running slower.
- Handicapping: Handicapping is a system used in horse racing where horses are assigned additional weight based on their past performance. This helps level the playing field and ensures that the race is more competitive.
- Equipment: The type of equipment used, such as the saddle and bit, can also impact the weight carried by the horse, affecting its performance in races.
- Fitness: Horses that are in good physical condition and are fit are able to carry weight better, impacting their performance in races.
Be sure to refer to a form guide, which provides details on the weight of a horse in the stone-pound format.
Note that the horses carrying weight is made up of the jockey’s weight and any additional weight in the saddlebags.
Track
The track is a critical component of horse racing and can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race. Some ways that the track can impact horse racing include:
- Surface: The surface of the track, such as dirt or turf, can impact the speed and performance of the horses. Wet or muddy tracks can slow down horses and increase the risk of injury, while dry tracks can be faster.
- Distance: The distance of the race can also impact the performance of horses, with longer distances often favoring horses with more endurance.
- Configuration: The configuration of the track, including its turns and straightaways, can impact the performance of horses. Tracks with tight turns may be more challenging for horses, while tracks with longer straightaways can allow horses to run faster.
- Condition: The condition of the track, including its maintenance and any adverse weather conditions, can impact the performance of horses. Poor track conditions can make it more difficult for horses to maintain their footing, impacting their speed and performance.
Track information can often be found in racing form guides, which provide details on the track conditions, distance, and other key factors.
Competition
The competition, or the other horses in the race, is a critical factor in horse racing. Some ways that the competition can impact horse racing include:
- Speed: The speed and performance of other horses in the race can impact the performance of the horse being considered for betting. If the competition is particularly fast, the horse being considered may need to work harder to keep up and could tire more quickly.
- Form: The form of the other horses in the race can also impact the performance of the horse being considered for betting. If the competition has been performing well in recent races, it may be more challenging for the horse being considered to win.
- Style: The style of racing of the other horses, such as front-runners or closers, can impact the strategy used by the horse being considered and its chances of winning.
- Post position: The post position, or starting position, of the other horses in the race can impact their performance and the performance of the horse being considered. Horses starting on the inside or outside of the track may have an advantage or disadvantage.
Racing form guides provide details on the other horses in the race, their recent performance.
Horse Racing Betting Markets
Horse racing betting markets refer to the different types of bets that can be placed on horse races. Here are some of the most popular horse racing betting markets:
- Win: A bet on a horse to win the race.
- Place: A bet on a horse to finish either first or second in the race.
- Show: A bet on a horse to finish in the top three in the race.
- Each-Way: A combination of a win and place bet, with a portion of the bet placed on the horse to win and a portion placed on the horse to place.
- Exacta: A bet on two horses to finish first and second in a specific order.
- Trifecta: A bet on three horses to finish first, second, and third in a specific order.
- Superfecta: A bet on four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in a specific order.
- Quinella: A bet on two horses to finish first and second in any order.
These are just some of the most popular horse racing betting markets. The type of bet placed can depend on a variety of factors, including the bettor’s personal preference and the specifics of the race.
Best Sites For Horse Racing Stats
Below are the top websites offering horse racing form statistics, along with several reliable racing databases for professional bettors.
Form Sites
Professional Databases
To learn more on these sites check out: Best Sites For Horse Racing Statistics
Best Sites Horse Racing Tipsters
The following table shows the best horse racing tipsters. You can learn more about how I’ve ranked these tipsters from my post: Best Horse Racing Tipsters.
| Rank | Star Rating | Tipster | Proofed By | Established | Tips | Average Odds | All-time Profit | All-time ROI | (+/-) Units | 3-Month Profit | 3-Month ROI | (+/-) Units | Est. Weekly Tips | Usual Publishing Times | Trial Period | Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.9 | Underdog Racing Tips | Tipstrr | October 2019 | 4,054 | 17.47 | £77,446.00 | 38.21% | +3098 | £12,702.00 | 50.71% | +508 | 22 | 8am-12pm & 4pm-12am | £5 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 2 | 4.8 | On Target Tips | Tipstrr | October 2019 | 7,918 | 10.33 | £37,809.45 | 19.10% | +1512 | £4,217.50 | 33.08% | +169 | 42 | 4pm-8pm | £5 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 3 | 4.8 | 365 Tips | Tipstrr | October 2019 | 6,037 | 9.00 | £41,691.22 | 15.68% | +1668 | £5,747.50 | 58.95% | +230 | 32 | 4am-8am & 8pm-12pm | £3.65 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 4 | 4.8 | Profitable Picks | Tipstrr | June 2020 | 2,565 | 11.22 | £26,096.41 | 26.02% | +1044 | £2,851.75 | 33.45% | +114 | 17 | 8am-12pm & 4pm-8pm | £1 for 10 days | £19 | |
| 5 | 4.8 | Horse For A Course | Tipstrr | June 2020 | 2,145 | 10.97 | £20,516.75 | 29.85% | +821 | £4,210.25 | 87.71% | +168 | 14 | 4pm-8pm | 14 days Free | £19 | |
| 6 | 4.7 | On The Money Tips | Tipstrr | August 2020 | 2,495 | 9.22 | £15,695.62 | 21.75% | +628 | £1,105.00 | 26.31% | +44 | 17 | 8pm-12am | £5 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 7 | 4.7 | Model Man | Tipstrr | June 2022 | 2,530 | 11.00 | £20,968.90 | 28.81% | +839 | £13,123.63 | 47.25% | +525 | 52 | 8pm-12am | £11.70 for 30 days | £39 | |
| 8 | 4.7 | Bigoddsvalue | Tipstrr | January 2022 | 1,182 | 19.86 | £20,056.00 | 40.95% | +802 | £7,126.25 | 95.02% | +285 | 17 | 8am-12pm & 4pm-8pm | FREE | FREE | |
| 9 | 4.6 | NM Racing Tips | Tipstrr | September 2019 | 2,627 | 8.60 | £15,680.29 | 19.16% | +627 | £5,272.88 | 20.01% | +211 | 14 | 4pm-8pm | £1 for 7 days | £29 | |
| 10 | 4.6 | Each Way Value Tips | Tipstrr | September 2017 | 1,901 | 7.17 | £20,991.67 | 22.08% | +840 | £6,931.87 | 48.14% | +277 | 6 | 8am-12pm & 4pm-8pm | £1 for 7 days | £29 | |
| 11 | 4.6 | RR Portfolio | Tipstrr | August 2021 | 3,007 | 9.19 | £10,857.61 | 8.28% | +434 | £4,871.38 | 30.73% | +195 | 33 | 8am-12pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 12 | 4.6 | Outsider Speed Picks | Tipstrr | May 2021 | 1,712 | 14.72 | £24,389.38 | 40.41% | +976 | £2,381.00 | 44.92% | +95 | 16 | 8am-12pm & 4pm-8pm | £1 for 7 days | £19 | |
| 13 | 4.6 | ChampionsTips | Tipstrr | January 2021 | 2,858 | 19.85 | £24,039.63 | 16.82% | +962 | £1,430.00 | 14.23% | +57 | 23 | 8am-12pm | £10 for 14 days | £29 | |
| 14 | 4.6 | Won Two Three Racing Tips | Tipstrr | October 2021 | 1,107 | 22.27 | £14,074.75 | 26.27% | +563 | £2,199.75 | 28.11% | +88 | 13 | 8am-12pm | £8.70 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 15 | 4.6 | Read Between The Lines | Tipstrr | June 2021 | 1,419 | 23.52 | £25,284.31 | 36.35% | +1011 | £1,684.75 | 20.42% | +67 | 14 | 4am-8am & 4pm-8pm | £4.99 for 28 days | £39 | |
| 16 | 4.5 | Flying Horse Stars | Tipstrr | September 2018 | 7,257 | 14.57 | £20,766.41 | 5.72% | +831 | £1,677.00 | 9.21% | +67 | 30 | 8am-12pm | 14 days free | £29 | |
| 17 | 4.5 | The Banker | Tipstrr | June 2019 | 2,835 | 9.54 | £21,053.06 | 28.07% | +842 | £635.63 | 18.29% | +25 | 14 | 4pm-8pm | None | £29 | |
| 18 | 4.5 | Dutch And Win | Tipstrr | February 2022 | 1,930 | 7.34 | £12,699.63 | 13.16% | +508 | £1,511.00 | 13.80% | +60 | 29 | 4am-12pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 19 | 4.5 | WannaWin BM | Tipstrr | March 2019 | 4,578 | 9.38 | £19,163.10 | 16.74% | +767 | £3.75 | 0.08% | +0 | 21 | 8am-12pm | £3 for 7 days | £29 | |
| 20 | 4.5 | Smallfieldpunting | Tipstrr | July 2021 | 1,216 | 12.08 | £8,991.25 | 29.58% | +360 | £697.75 | 21.64% | +28 | 13 | 4pm-8pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 21 | 4.5 | The Quest | Tipstrr | February 2022 | 1,693 | 11.79 | £7,747.29 | 11.44% | +310 | £3,563.75 | 20.63% | +143 | 26 | 4am-12pm | FREE | FREE | |
| 22 | 4.4 | Shrewd Tips | Tipstrr | October 2019 | 8,688 | 8.42 | £33,310.42 | 15.34% | +1332 | -£261.25 | -2.03% | -10 | 47 | 8am-12pm | £5 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 23 | 4.4 | Summit Racing Tips | Tipstrr | May 2021 | 2,472 | 4.81 | £5,397.65 | 8.73% | +216 | £1,764.56 | 22.77% | +71 | 23 | 8am-12pm | £1 for 7 days | £19 | |
| 24 | 4.4 | Blindguess | Tipstrr | September 2021 | 889 | 10.61 | £8,904.35 | 22.01% | +356 | £1,587.38 | 42.05% | +63 | 10 | Throughout the day | £1 for 7 days | £19 | |
| 25 | 4.4 | GV Early Alerts | Tipstrr | October 2019 | 3,674 | 9.80 | £10,053.50 | 10.95% | +402 | -£641.88 | -8.34% | -26 | 20 | 4pm-8pm | £5 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 26 | 4.4 | Summit Racing Tips | Tipstrr | May 2021 | 2,481 | 4.81 | £5,555.90 | 8.96% | +222 | £1,935.31 | 24.58% | +77 | 24 | 8am-12pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 27 | 4.4 | SVB Tips | Tipstrr | January 2018 | 3,676 | 5.85 | £17,276.48 | 18.80% | +691 | -£145.69 | -3.76% | -6 | 13 | 8am-12pm | £1 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 28 | 4.3 | Won Racing Tip | Tipstrr | October 2021 | 476 | 24.27 | £9,214.50 | 39.38% | +369 | £3,709.75 | 99.59% | +148 | 6 | 4am-12pm | £9.50 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 29 | 4.2 | Quasi’s Hunches | Tipstrr | February 2018 | 3,352 | 9.87 | £9,204.15 | 5.85% | +368 | -£647.75 | -12.40% | -26 | 12 | 8am-12pm & 8pm-12am | FREE | FREE | |
| 30 | 4.2 | Charlie’s Winners | Tipstrr | March 2022 | 1,886 | 4.71 | £8,801.87 | 13.29% | +352 | £210.12 | 2.82% | +8 | 30 | 4am-8am & 8pm-12am | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 31 | 4.2 | Statometer | Tipstrr | April 2022 | 781 | 5.32 | £3,127.90 | 13.30% | +125 | £2,215.09 | 45.91% | +89 | 14 | 4am-8am & 4pm-8pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 32 | 4.1 | Vrasidas | Tipstrr | May 2019 | 3,614 | 7.35 | £4,391.93 | 4.86% | +176 | £425.51 | 7.81% | +17 | 17 | 8pm-12am | £1 for 7 days | £19 | |
| 33 | 4.1 | Won By A Head | Tipstrr | September 2021 | 1,296 | 15.59 | £8,207.63 | 25.33% | +328 | -£991.25 | -18.27% | -40 | 15 | 8am-12pm | £8.70 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 34 | 4.1 | Underdoggy Tips | Tipstrr | June 2022 | 711 | 13.50 | £3,151.00 | 14.45% | +126 | £1,671.00 | 33.42% | +67 | 15 | 4am-12pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 35 | 4.1 | 1 Bet A Day | Tipstrr | July 2021 | 675 | 8.24 | £2,802.03 | 16.60% | +112 | £732.45 | 31.17% | +29 | 7 | 8am-12pm & 4pm-8pm | £8.70 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 36 | 4.1 | Flat Racing | Tipstrr | April 2022 | 1,088 | 6.40 | £3,464.69 | 6.84% | +139 | £2,852.00 | 31.00% | +114 | 19 | 8am-12pm | None | £19 | |
| 37 | 4.0 | KensJumps | Tipstrr | May 2018 | 3,077 | 6.76 | £1,869.90 | 1.84% | +75 | £2,074.81 | 23.05% | +83 | 12 | 8am-12pm | £8.70 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 38 | 4.0 | The One To Beat | Tipstrr | June 2021 | 1,519 | 8.30 | £6,511.95 | 17.15% | +260 | -£230.60 | -4.17% | -9 | 15 | 8am-12pm | £10 for 30 days | £29 | |
| 39 | 4.0 | Black Squid Tips | Tipstrr | Oct-2022 | 780 | 5.36 | £2,204.11 | 10.82% | +88 | £1,148.06 | 11.66% | +46 | 25 | 8am-12pm | £5.70 for 30 days | £19 | |
| 40 | 4.0 | Flyingboltoriginalone. | Tipstrr | January 2021 | 1,214 | 9.17 | £3,898.74 | 6.74% | +156 | £222.88 | 4.29% | +9 | 10 | 8am-4pm | FREE | FREE |
Horse Racing FAQ
Horse racing is a sport where horses race against each other over a set distance, with the winner being the horse that crosses the finish line first.
The Tote system is a form of betting in which all bets on a race are pooled together and the winnings are divided among the bettors who correctly picked the winning horse. The Tote system is commonly used in horse racing and allows bettors to place bets without having to know the odds beforehand.
Horses are trained for horse racing through a combination of exercise, conditioning, and training. This process typically begins at a young age and involves gradually increasing the horse’s fitness and ability to handle the demands of racing.
The safety of horses in horse racing is monitored by organisations such as the Jockey Club and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Rules and guidelines are in place to ensure that horses are well cared for and protected during racing, and efforts are made to minimise the risk of injury to horses.
However, despite these efforts, there is always a risk of injury in horse racing, as horses are high-performance athletes and can be prone to accidents and injuries – particularly when jumping hurdles.
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