If you’re not entirely sure how to bet on horse racing, our concise guide below covers the basics.
In horse racing, a futures bet is a wager placed in advance on the outcome of a major event, such as the Grand National, Melbourne Cup, Cheltenham Gold Cup, or Kentucky Derby. In the UK and Ireland, this is known as an ante-post bet.
These bets are often available weeks or even months before the race, and the odds fluctuate over time based on entries, form, trainer updates and weather conditions.
You might back a specific horse to win a high-profile race long before final declarations, giving you the chance to lock in more favourable odds if your pick improves in the market closer to race day.
Some of the world's most popular races to bet on well in advance of the race are listed below:
• Grand National
• Cheltenham Gold Cup
• Epsom Derby
• Punchestown Gold Cup
• Kentucky Derby
• Preakness Stakes
• Belmont Stakes
• Breeders’ Cup Classic
• Melbourne Cup
• L’Arc de Triomphe
• Dubai World Cup
While the win market (betting on a horse to finish 1st) is by far the most popular, many betting sites offer extended finishing position options and alternative bets such as:
Horse racing odds are presented in three main formats depending on your region and most online bookmakers allow you to choose between the formats in your account settings:
Whether you're betting on Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Spring Carnival or the Triple Crown in the US, finding the best horse racing odds can significantly improve your returns.
At Gambling.com, we track odds in real-time from major bookmakers, giving you access to:
• The best value on win, place and each-way markets
• Exclusive free bet offers when you register a new betting account
• Updated lines that react to market moves, declarations or non-runners
By following our up-to-date odds and expert betting previews, you improve your chances of earning a return.
Horse racing is fast-paced and form can change quickly. Always check for the latest racecards, ground conditions and non-runner updates before placing a bet – especially when betting in advance.
And remember, responsible gambling means setting limits and betting for enjoyment, not as a means to make money.