Horse Racing Betting & Odds at NetBet Sport

Horse racing is an extremely popular sport in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, and it is mostly down to the dynamic variety of horse racing betting opportunities available.

The world of horse racing betting is indeed an exciting one and here at NetBet Sport, we have a wide range of different markets and horse racing odds that to cater to the needs of every bettor, whether you are a beginner or a pro!

Below, we’ve put together a little guide with some information on horse racing as a sport, as well as some more insight into horse racing betting.

Flat Racing vs National Hunt

These are the two main types of horse racing in Ireland and the UK, and it is important to understand the difference between them.

Flat racing is, unsurprisingly, contested on flat tracks with no obstacles, which means the contest is primarily about speed. As such, it is very rare for a horse to ‘pull up’ and not complete the circuit.

National Hunt races are often referred to as ‘jump races’, as the horse and jockey will have to overcome a series of obstacles on the course.

These races are run over a longer distance than flat ones, usually between two and four miles.

The obstacle size in National Hunt races can also differ. Hurdles are far smaller and can be jumped with relative ease, while steeplechase fences are considerably larger, so they require a far higher level of jumping ability and power.

Needless to say, National Hunt races with steeplechase fences see a lot of horses pull up, so keep that in mind when looking to place a bet.

Biggest Horse Racing Betting Events In Ireland

Irish Derby Festival: Usually held in either late June or very early July at the iconic Curragh Racecourse, this event regularly attracts spectators from all over the world. The three-day festival is headlined by the Irish Derby, which takes place on the final day.

Galway Races: This event at the Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway is one of the longer horse-racing meets, taking place across seven action-packed days. Two of the most famous National Hunt races held annually at this festival are the Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle.

Punchestown Festival: Held in the month of April when the cold of winter is finally a distant memory, this is viewed by many horse racing fans as the pinnacle of the Irish National Hunt season. The Punchestown Festival is also one of the most popular horse racing spectacles in the world. Some of the iconic races at this historic event include the Champion Chase, World Series Hurdle and, of course, the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Irish 2,000 Guineas: This race, also held at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, is run over a distance of one mile and it is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious flat races in Ireland.

Biggest Horse Racing Betting Events In the UK

Cheltenham Festival: A jewel in the crown of the annual UK sporting calendar, this famous National Hunt event takes place at the Cheltenham Racecourse in March. With races scheduled on St Patrick’s Day each year, it is very popular with Irish fans. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is always one of the most popular races when it comes to horse racing betting.

The Grand National: Probably the most famous race in the world, one in which the competitors always have eye-catching horse racing odds due to the difficulty of the course, which features as many as 30 fences to jump. Taking place in April at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, the Grand National is a horse racing event unlike any other.

Royal Ascot: Each June, Ascot Racecourse comes alive with history, tradition and regality for the Royal Ascot Festival. As well as the elegant fashion on show, the event features fantastic flat races like the Ascot Gold Cup.

Epsom Derby: This is the UK’s richest flat race and it is part of the famous ‘Triple Crown’, alongside the 2,000 Guineas and St Leger. Furthermore, the Derby Festival at Epsom Downs in Surrey - held in June - always attracts huge crowds.

Horse Racing Betting Tips

As is the case with any form of sports betting, it is important to stay ahead of the curve in the horse racing betting world. Here are a few tips you can factor into your strategy:

Age, Weight & Form: These are three factors which you absolutely must consider before placing a bet on a horse, with form undeniably the most important of the lot. Of course, age brings up the old ‘youth vs experience’ argument, while weight is more set in stone. If two horses are close in terms of odds and one weighs less than the other, it is generally advised to side with the lighter horse. The lower the weight, the faster the horse can theoretically run, that is the general rule of thumb. Age, weight and form information is available to view on NetBet Sport.

Ground & Distance: Certain horses enjoy running on a specific type of ground, whether that be ‘Hard’ or ‘Soft’. Furthermore, it is important to learn which distances a horse has previously thrived at. If they have achieved nothing of note over the longer distance in the race you are looking at, it could be beneficial to start looking for value elsewhere.

Check the Jockey & Trainer: If a horse in a particular race is being ridden by an in-form jockey and comes from a trainer with a string of recent wins under their belt, it is wise to look at the horse racing betting odds. As in all other sports like football, rugby and cricket, form counts for a lot!

Types of Horse Racing Bet Available at NetBet Sport

There are so many different types of horse racing bets available at NetBet Sport. Here are some of the most popular among bettors:

Race Winner: The easiest and simplest way to partake in horse racing betting. Predict which horse you think will win the selected race.

Each-Way: This is a very popular method of betting on a horse racing event. It is a two-way bet, with one part of the bet staked on the horse winning the race outright and the other part on the horse finishing in one of the predetermined ‘places’. If the horse finishes in one of these places, which are decided pre-race by the bookmaker, you will be paid out a fraction of the winner odds.

Forecast: This is a bet where you try to predict the winner and runner-up in a race. If there is an overwhelming favourite, a forecast can be a great way to find value while also wagering on the SP (starting price) favourite.

Tricast: An even tougher bet than the forecast. Here, you attempt to predict the top three in a race. Of course, the increased level of difficulty also means an increase in the horse racing odds.