Horse Racing Betting Sites UK - April 2025

UK's Horse Racing Betting Sites – Our Top 5

1. Betfred

The sportsbook offers extensive coverage of meetings in the UK and Ireland and select international events, including races from the USA and Australia. Live streaming is available for most UK and Irish races, requiring a minimum bet of £1 or £0.50 each-way. The bookmaker focuses on British and Irish meetings, providing the widest market selection and broadcasts. Promotions include Extra Places (4-6 places), Free Bet If 2nd or 3rd, and the Rewards 4 Racing loyalty program.

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2. Bet365

Bet365 specialise in horse racing betting and offers a wide range of markets and competitive odds, including Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish races. Live streaming and race replays allow for in-depth form analysis. The exclusive My Horses feature helps punters track their favourite horses, receive race alerts, and add personal notes. Stakes can be placed via race pages or directly in the bet slip. Promotions include Bet Boosts, Extra Places, Each Way Extra, and Cash Out. Meetings are not always structured by country, but a search function helps locate horses quickly. The platform also provides race summaries, totalisator mode, and audio commentary.

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#ad / 18+. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. www.begambleaware.org

3. Betfair

Betfair's sportsbook has solid horse racing coverage, focusing on UK and Irish meetings with live streaming and Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG). While it lacks extensive markets for Australian and New Zealand racing, it offers standard options on France, the USA, and South America, though without streaming or dedicated promotions. Betfair boosts odds through niche promotions and features expert Racing Tips and Predictions by Timeform. Additional benefits include race replays, a Grand National Non Runner No Bet offer, and a Free Bet on racing multiples. The platform also offers a comprehensive horse catalogue and tote betting.

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4. William Hill

Covering races from the UK, USA, Asia, and South America, William Hill ensures punters have access to major events worldwide, with live streaming available for most. British and Irish events benefit from frequent promotions like Best Odds Guaranteed, Extra Places, and Enhanced Odds. The platform features expert insights from Racing Post and the Naps Table for pro tips. UK races include live audio, and international streams are accessible to logged-in users.

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#ad / 18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Full T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org

5. Betgoodwin

Formerly known as Goodwin Racing, the company began as a retail operation in East Sussex. In 2022, BetGoodwin launched an online sportsbook available via app and desktop. It keeps its traditions alive, offering extensive coverage of local racecourses with Best Odds Guaranteed and plenty of permanent Free Bets offers. The most generous of these is a refund of your losing stake up to £100 for stakes on any British or Irish National Hunt Chase. This new horse racing betting site offers live streaming for all UK and Irish racing. All of which can be accessed if your account has a minimum balance.

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£25

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#ad / 18+. First day losses equals all settled stakes less all returns. Free bets must be used in full and returns do not include stakes. Free bets non withdrawable. Free bets credited within 24 hours. If your free bet is voided it will be replaced within 24 hours. Cashed out bets do not count. This offer is limited to a free bet award per person/household/IP address. Full T&Cs apply. www.betgambleaware.org

Top 5 Horse Betting Sites in Comparison

How We Choose the Best Horse Racing Bookmakers    

When selecting the top horse racing bookies, we focus on key factors that matter most to punters. Here’s what we evaluate:

• Race Coverage. The choice is the key, especially if you bet not only on big meetings and festivals but also follow smaller local tracks. A quality horse racing betting site should provide markets for UK and Irish racing, as well as major international events in the USA, France, Japan, and Australia.

• Markets. Similar but different parameters. Here we estimate the number of types and kinds of outcomes. Beyond standard win and each-way bets, we check for specials and ante-post options.

• Promotions and Bonuses. These include weekly Free Bets, refunds if your jockey finishes 2nd or 3rd, Extra Places promotions, Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG), and Odds Boosts.

• Live Streaming. Top platforms broadcast races from the UK and Ireland, along with international events from the USA, Europe, Latin America, and Australia.

• Odds and Margins. A bookmaker’s margin (commission) - the difference between the actual probability of an event and the odds offered - should be below 20% in the ideal world. Lower margins mean better payouts for punters.

• Stats and Analysis. We assess how easy it is for punters to analyse past performances, track conditions and other key factors before placing a bet on the site.

• Licence and Reputation. The Legalbet team only review bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. You can rest assured that it's safe to entrust your money to the sites we recommend.

Horse Racing Betting Markets

Every jockey has a simple goal: to cross the finish line first. But horse race betting offers far more variety. From straight win bets to complex wagers like the Superfecta, where you predict the exact top four finishers, there’s something for every bettor. Below, we break down the main markets in simple terms.

Win

A basic yet popular choice: pick a horse to win. If it finishes first, you get paid based on the odds.

Place

Your horse doesn’t have to win—just finish in the top two or three (depending on field size). Odds are lower, but so is the risk.

Each Way (E/W)

A mix of Win and Place bets, splitting your stake between both. If your horse wins, both bets pay out. If it places, you still get a return.

Head to Head

Bet on which of two horses will finish higher—no need to pick the race winner. A simple option when focusing on a key rivalry.

Exacta (Perfecta)

Predict the top two horses in the exact finishing order. Harder to win, but higher potential payouts.

Quinella

Pick the first two finishers in any order. Easier than an Exacta, but odds are slightly lower.

Trifecta

Like an Exacta, but for the top three finishers in the correct order. A challenge, but with significant reward potential.

Superfecta

The toughest bet is to predict the exact order of the top four. This is a high-risk, high-reward market that is best approached with caution.

Key Horse Races to Bet

There are always top-quality meetings to wager on from early spring to late winter. The following list highlights major domestic events, along with the typical months they take place:

Cheltenham Festival (March)

Held at Cheltenham Racecourse, this four-day festival is the highlight of the National Hunt season. Races include the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase. With over £4.5 million in prize money, this event attracts top horses, jockeys, and trainers. It also has extensive television coverage, including live broadcasts, expert analysis, and race replays. It is one of the UK's most significant racing events, with over 200,000 spectators attending each year.

Grand National Festival (April)

Run at Aintree Racecourse, the Grand National is a four-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong steeplechase known for its demanding fences, including Becher's Brook and The Chair. First held in 1839, it offers £1 million in prize money and attracts global attention. Televised live with extensive pre- and post-race analysis, it remains one of the world's most-watched horse races, with millions tuning in annually.

Punchestown Festival (April/May)

The Punchestown Festival, held in County Kildare, is the Irish National Hunt season finale. Key races include the Punchestown Gold Cup, Champion Stayers Hurdle, and Champion Chase. The five-day event offers over €3 million in prize money and attracts top competitors from Cheltenham and Aintree.   

Epsom Oaks and Derby (June)

Epsom Downs hosts two of the five British Classics: the Oaks, for three-year-old fillies, and the Derby, open to colts and fillies. The Derby, with a prize fund exceeding £1.5 million, is Britain’s richest flat race. Both races are broadcast live with in-depth analysis and historical comparisons.

Royal Ascot (June)

This event is held in Ascot, near Windsor Castle. The five-day event features 35 races, including the Gold Cup, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, and Queen Anne Stakes. With over £9 million in prize money, it attracts international runners and a royal audience. The overall standings determine the winner. It is also famous for its strict dress code and royal processions.

Glorious Goodwood (July/August)

One of the highlights of the English summer, the festival is now called the Qatar Goodwood Festival. The Goodwood Racecourse hosts this five-day flat racing festival, featuring major races like the Sussex Stakes, Goodwood Cup, and Nassau Stakes. The meeting offers over £5 million in prize money and is broadcast live with detailed race previews and expert analysis. The racecourse is considered to be quite challenging due to the excessive amount of sharp turns and slopes.

Galway Festival

Ireland’s biggest racing festival occurs at Galway Racecourse, combining top jump and flat races with a strong social aspect. The Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle headline the event, with over €2 million in prize money. Coverage includes live broadcasts, race replays, and on-course interviews. The seven-day festival attracts large crowds, with evening racing, hospitality, and entertainment.

St Leger Meeting at Doncaster (September)

Doncaster Racecourse hosts the St Leger Meeting, featuring the St Leger Stakes, the world’s oldest Classic. Run over a mile, six furlongs, and 115 yards, it tests stamina in three-year-olds. The festival offers £2 million in prize money and is covered live, with expert analysis and historical insights. As the final leg of the English Triple Crown, it remains a key event in the flat racing season.

Champions Day at Ascot (October)

The season-ending British Champions Day at Ascot features high-stakes races like the Champion Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and British Champions Sprint. With £4 million in prize money, it determines the season’s leading horses. It is the richest day in British flat racing. The event marks the conclusion of the Champions Series, crowning the top performers across several divisions.

November Meeting at Cheltenham

The November Meeting at Cheltenham is a prestigious three-day thoroughbred racing meeting held annually at Cheltenham Racecourse, typically in mid-November. It marks the start of the National Hunt season and is a significant precursor to the Cheltenham Festival. The meeting features several high-profile races, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup, the Greatwood Hurdle, and the Shloer Chase. 

Horse Racing Betting Offers and Bonuses

Betfred – Free Bet If 2nd

Get money back up to £10 if your horse finishes second in selected races. Applies to win and each-way singles. Cashed-out bets, ante-post wagers, and bets placed using free funds do not qualify. Free Bets are credited within 24 hours and can be used on any racing market.

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Bet365 – Bet Boost

Get enhanced odds on selected UK, Irish, and international races. Bet Boosts are available on the homepage, as well as race classification and racecards. You can place boosted bets as Win or Each Way, including some multiples. Boosted multiples cannot be combined with other selections. Available from 10 AM UK time until 15 minutes before the race.

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#ad / 18+. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. www.begambleaware.org

Bet365 – Racing Value

Enjoy early prices on all UK and Irish races, plus payouts on disqualified horses and greyhounds. Showcasts offer fixed-price forecasts and tricasts for qualifying races. The Double Result Offer pays out on the original winner and the official result. No more 5p Rule 4 deductions for withdrawals between 10/1 and 14/1. Selected ante-post races come with Non-Runner No Bet, meaning you get a refund if your horse doesn’t run.

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#ad / 18+. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. www.begambleaware.org

Betfair – Free Bet on Racing Multiples

Opt-in required. Place a qualifying multiple bet (minimum combined odds of 2.0) on horse racing from Monday to Friday to receive a Free Bet. The free stake, worth between £5 and £10, is valid for 48 hours and must be used on racing multiples.

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William Hill – Best Odds Guaranteed

If you take an early price and the Starting Price (SP) is higher, William Hill pays at the better odds. Applies to win and each-way bets on UK and Irish races from 8 am UK time. Maximum additional payout capped at £25,000 per day. Available online and via mobile app but not in shops. Opt-in required.

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BetGoodwin – Refund If Beaten by a 50/1+ Winner

Place a win or each-way single on any UK or Irish race (excluding the Grand National). If your horse finishes second and the winner has SP odds of 50/1 or more, get a Free Bet refund up to £100. Minimum qualifying stake is £10. Does not apply to ante-post or multiple bets. Free Bets are credited within 24 hours, must be used within 7 days, and are non-withdrawable.

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#ad / 18+. First day losses equals all settled stakes less all returns. Free bets must be used in full and returns do not include stakes. Free bets non withdrawable. Free bets credited within 24 hours. If your free bet is voided it will be replaced within 24 hours. Cashed out bets do not count. This offer is limited to a free bet award per person/household/IP address. Full T&Cs apply. www.betgambleaware.org

Basic Horse Racing Betting Strategies

Once you understand the general rules, you can try one of these strategies.

Dutching Strategy

Dutching is a popular tactic that involves staking on several horses in the same race. The aim is to increase your chances of winning by covering multiple outcomes. While you will always lose at least one stake, a well-planned Dutching strategy will ensure that a winning selection will provide an overall profit.

For example, if you bet £10 on one horse at 5/1 and another £10 on another at 6/1, your total stake will be £20. You will make between £50 and £60 if either horse wins. This strategy helps beginners understand risk and reward, but it's essential to manage your bets carefully and avoid backing too many runners in one race.

80-20 Betting Strategy

The 80-20 strategy builds on Dutching but focuses more on covering your stake. Here, 80% of your bet goes on the favourite, and 20% goes on a higher-odds horse. This way, you hedge your risk while retaining the possibility of a higher return.

For example, a £100 bet would mean placing £80 on a 2/1 favourite and £20 on an 8/1 outsider. If both win, your return will be £160. This method is ideal for punters who want a degree of safety while still taking a chance on an underdog.

Laying the Favourite

Laying the favourite means betting against the horse to win. This is done on exchanges like Betfair, where you take the role of the bookmaker. The advantage is that favourites don't always win, and you profit when they lose.

For example, if you lay £100 against a horse at 4/1 and it loses, you win £100. However, if your jockey wins, your liability is £400. This method is best suited to experienced punters who can assess weak favourites and manage their liabilities carefully.

Pick 3 Strategy

You must correctly predict the winner of three consecutive races. Although this involves more risk, the potential payout is significantly higher than betting on individual races.

For instance, betting on three horses at odds of 4/1, 3/1, and 3/1 in separate races could turn a £100 stake into £8,000 if all selections win. This strategy is useful for bettors who are confident in their race selections, but there is no safety net - if one horse loses, the entire bet is lost.

Show Bet Strategy

This is one of the safest options, as it pays out if your horse finishes in the top three. This makes it an excellent strategy for beginners who want to minimise risk.

For example, wagering £20 on a horse to show at 2/5 odds would return £28 if the horse finishes in the top three. Although the payouts are lower than win bets, this approach allows you to build a steady bankroll with minimal risk.

Legalbet experts advise: Whatever strategy you choose, you should follow responsible gaming practices. This means acknowledging betting as entertainment, recognising the risks involved, and never allowing it to impact your personal life or financial stability negatively.

The top betting sites are… 

Here at Legalbet we have also categorised the top betting sites and their features to make them easier for you to find. They are:

By Sport: Football | Tennis | Boxing | Cricket | Snooker | Golf | UFC | Darts | Greyhound | Rugby | Horse Racing | Basketball | Baseball | Formula 1 | Ice Hockey (NHL) | Volleyball | Cycling | AFL | Netball 

By Payment Systems: PayPal | Skrill | Klarna | Boku | Debit Cards | Apple Pay | Paysafecard | Neteller | Google Pay | Prepaid Cards | Revolut

By Features: Cash Out | £5 Minimum Deposit | Minimum Bet Sizing | Live Streaming | Betting Exchanges | Safest | Fast Withdrawal | Daily Free Games | New Betting Sites | Horse Betting Apps | Football Betting Apps | Virtual Sports Betting Sites

By Events: Politics | WWE | MLB World Series | Eurovision | NRL Grand Final | Super Bowl LIX 

By Esports: CS:GO | Dota 2 | League of Legends | Valorant | CS:GO Betting Sites with Paypal

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