Top UK Horse Racing Betting Sites for February 2026

Horse racing and gambling go way back. It is considered a historic form of gambling with a unique appeal thanks to its range of bet types and the thrill of racing. Watch and wager on some of the biggest events on the horse racing calendar, including the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival, with confidence as we look below at the best sites for horse racing betting, offers, strategies, how to sign up, and more!

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Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

LiveScore logoBy LiveScore Desk, Editorial team for sports, betting and casino Last updated: 16 February 2026, 11:42AM

BookmakerWelcome BonusRatingPaymentClaim Now
1bookmaker-spreadex
Best offerGET £60 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10
4.8/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive60 ratings
Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Place a £10 fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet. New Customers Only. T&Cs Apply. 18+ www.gambleaware.org.
2bookmaker-bet365
BET £10 & GET £30 IN FREE BETS
5/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarFull Star181 ratings
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. #ad.
3bookmaker-jeffbet
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
4.3/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarEmpty Star51 rating
18+| New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Free bets and Bonuses are valid for 7 days. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Full T&C's apply.
4bookmaker-betfair
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets (Any Multi, Any Sport)
4.6/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive67 ratings
Place a min £10 bet on Sportsbook on odds of min EVS (2.0), get 5x £10 in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport. Rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Pay by Bank, Apple Pay or Debit Card will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
5bookmaker-williamhill
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
4.8/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive54 ratings
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). Further terms apply. #ad
6bookmaker-skybet
£40 in Free Bets when you place any bet
4.9/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive87 ratings
New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
7bookmaker-paddypower
Stake £10 on Football Get £50 in Bet Builder Bets
4.8/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive129 ratings
New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifying bet has been settled. Rewards valid for 90 days. Only deposits via cards & Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
8bookmaker-betred
£50 in Free Bets when you bet £10
4.8/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive65 ratings
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply.
9Casino Kings Casino
Deposit Min. £10 and Get £35 Free Bet
4.6/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive78 Ratings
New Players Only. Free bet - one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Free bets and Bonuses are valid for 7 days. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply
10bookmaker-livescorebet
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
4.7/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive79 ratings
*New members only. Any new account registration or bets settled on 5 April 2025 are not eligible for this Welcome Offer. £10+ bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals) at 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days on sportsbook only. 2x£5 Free Bets for Bet Builder only. Stake not returned. T&Cs + deposit exclusions apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org. 18+
11bookmarker-betMGM
Bet £10 Get £40
4.8/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive5 ratings
New cust only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at Evens (1/1) for 2 x £10 Free Bets (min odds 2/1) & 2 x £10 Free Accas (trebles & above at min odds per line 1/2). Expires 14/03/25 23:59. Cannot be used on e-sports & non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.
12bookmaker-betano
GET £30 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10
4.6/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive54 ratings
18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 (odds 2.00+) within 3 days of sign up. No cash-out. Get 3x£10 Free Bets for set markets (odds 2.0+) which expire in 5 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
13bookmaker-quinnbet
50% Back up to £25
4.7/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive92 ratings
18+ New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. No cash out. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses (from first bet settlement until 23:59) as a Free Bet up to £25, valid for 7 days. Min. 3 bets on different events required, with 2 bets being at least 50% of your largest stake. Place at least 1 bet of £10+ at odds 2.00+ to receive a £5 Free Bet even if your account is up or losses are under £5. T&Cs Apply. GambleAware.org. Gamble Responsibly
14bookmaker-netbet
Get £20 in Free Bets when you bet £10
4.6/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive47 ratings
New players only. Bet £10 min. odds 1/1 (2.00) to get 4 x £5 Free Bets: 1 x £5 Football Bet Builder, 1 x £5 Football Acca, 1x £5 Horse Racing Acca & 1 x £5 Tennis In-Play. Valid 7 days. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
15bookmaker-midnite
BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS
4.7/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive52 ratings
18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
16bookmaker-tote
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
4.6/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive89 ratings
New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Bet min of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit and £/€10 Free Sports Bet. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
17bookmaker-betmaze
Bet £20 Get £20 Free Bet
4.5/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive56 ratings
18+. New customers only. Opt-in required. Min deposit: £ 20. Min wager £ 20 at min odds 1/1 (2.00). Max Free Bets amount: E 20. Eligible bets: Single, Combo, Bet Builder. Max 1 free bet per user. Max free bets winnings: £ 200. Free bets is not valid for Horse Racing. Free bets token credited within 24 hours, valid for 14 days. System bets excluded. Free Bets min odds: 4/5 (1.80) Play Responsibly. T&Cs apply.
18bookmarker-coral
Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets
4.9/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive81 ratings
18+ New UK + ROI customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stakes not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply.    
19betting-ladbrokes
£30 in Free Bets when you Bet £5
4.9/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive72 ratings
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
20bookmaker-talksportbet
Get up to £40 in Free Football Bets
4.7/5Full StarFull StarFull StarFull StarHalf star selectedHalf star inactive50 ratings
18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet up to £40 (min. £20) via mobile or app on any football (odds 1/1+) within 7 days of registration. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets, which expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. Registration Required GambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission.

List of Best Horse Racing Betting Sites UK

  • Spreadex - Best for Horse Racing Spread Betting

  • bet365 - Best Horse Racing Betting Site Overall

  • Betfred - Best for Traditional Horse Racing Betting Experience

  • William Hill - Best for Long-Standing Reputation

  • Livescore Bet - Best for Horse Racing Price Boosts Betting

  • Casino Kings - Best for Competitive Horse Racing Odds

  • BetMGM - Best for Range of Horse Racing Betting Markets Available

  • Quinnbet - Best for Cashback Bonuses

  • Tote - Best for Traditional Horse Racing Betting Experience

  • Coral - Best for Detailed Racecards and Form Guides

  • Ladbrokes - Best for Range of Horse Racing Betting Markets Available

  • Midnite - Best for Fast-Paced Horse Racing Betting

  • Netbet - Best for Diverse Horse Racing Betting Options

  • Hot Streak Sports - Best for Regular Horse Racing Promotional Offers

  • Copybet - Best for Social Horse Racing Betting

  • Betmaze - Best for Horse Racing Live Betting

  • talkSPORT BET - Best Horse Racing Betting Site with Live Commentary

  • Betano - Best for Horse Racing Bet Builders

  • Betway - Best for Competitive Horse Racing Promotions

Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

In order to ensure we thoroughly review each horse racing betting site, we have a list of criteria we compare between each site. Below is more information on what we look for to help you select the best site.

Range of Markets and Coverage

A betting site must offer a variety of races to appeal to keen horse race punters. From the daily local races up and down the country to the biggest events in the UK, it is crucial to offer markets for international races for further depth and ensure a site caters to all horse racing enthusiasts, whether dedicated bettors, one-off punters, or just fans. Sites with comprehensive racecards, including minor tracks, should also be considered. We also believe that horse racing betting should not be the only thing on offer, we love to see options for betting on football, tennis, rugby and other markets too!

Competitive Odds

To be one of the best for horse race betting, having odds that challenge what other sites are offering will attract more keen horse racing punters. The better the odds, the better the potential payout. 

Horse betting odds can be represented in various formats, including fractional (6/1), decimal (6.00), and American (+600). It is important to familiarise yourself with the different variations, as these can impact your potential profits. Fractional odds indicate the profit relative to your stake, these are the most common odds punters can expect at UK horse racing betting sites. Decimal odds show the total return per what is wagered, while American odds represent the potential winnings if you place a $100 bet. A small change in odds may look small; however, it can impact the profitability significantly and, therefore, impact where punters place their bets.

Betting Features

Top horse racing betting sites are known for having some of the best betting features to complement a user's experience at a site. This includes high-quality live streams that run smoothly across local, national and international events. Sites such as bet365 offer fantastic streams alongside many in-play betting options. There is often the ability to watch race replays and see how close the places are.

Many sites, including bet365, William Hill and Fitzdares, offer cash-out options for customers across horse racing markets. This is a feature that will appeal to bettors as it enables them to cash out a portion of their winnings or rescue the original stake amount should a race not be looking to turn out in favour of the bet. 

Bonuses and Promotions

Bettors are always looking for valuable bonuses because, let's face it, we all enjoy a freebie or an added bonus!

This is why all of the most popular horse race betting sites ensure punters have an opportunity to claim an exclusive and highly rewarding welcome bonus when they first sign up. After securing their sign-up with the offer, bettors can expect plenty more offers and ongoing promotions to continue to add to their horse racing betting experience. This includes free bet offers and ongoing promotions like best odds guaranteed and enhanced odds.

Mobile Compatibility 

A key factor in determining whether a platform is one of the best for horse racing is its mobile compatibility. 

More and more punters now want to place bets directly on their phones, and especially for horse racing punters, this is really useful for keeping up to date with the latest odds and results when at the track. Betting sites now must provide a high-quality website compatible with mobile browsers or a dedicated mobile app that can be downloaded.

Licensing and Security

All betting sites must have a license issued by a reputable gambling authority to operate legally in the UK.

All of the top horse racing betting sites we have recommended have a license issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). This means the site will have features in place, such as secure payments, fair play regulations and checks, and responsible gambling tools as required by law.


bet365 Overview

One of the UK’s most trusted bookmakers, bet365, has been in operation since 2000. The rest is history, as the platform has quickly become a household name for all things horse racing. 

With over two decades of experience, the platform has earned a reputation for its reliability and incredible innovation in sports betting. It offers a superb mobile-compatible experience through its app and mobile site, which are easy to navigate and have many recognised and reliable payment methods. Its 24/7 customer support is also highly rated and easy to reach out to should you need it.

Market Coverage and Betting Options

bet365 has one of the strongest market coverages when it comes to horse racing in the industry and offers a number of unique features to ensure punters get the most out of their time at the platform. 

One of the standout features of bet365 is its best odds guaranteed, ensuring customers who place a bet on the early price are not at a disadvantage if the starting price is higher. No matter the odds they bet on, the site will pay out the highest odds. Another top feature is the live streaming capabilities, with multiple races in the UK and worldwide available to customers to watch while placing live bets alongside! 

Bonuses and Promotions

There are many great offers up for grabs for horse racing enthusiasts at this top betting site. New customers can expect to benefit from an exciting welcome offer, such as free bets, when they sign up. This is followed by other promotions for existing customers, including best odds guaranteed, enhanced odds, and even some specials for big events such as Cheltenham and the Grand National.

Pros

  1. IconLeading sports betting platform
  2. IconTop mobile app
  3. IconCompetitive odds
  4. IconFantastic horse racing live streams

Fitzdares Overview

Known for providing a premium and personalised sports betting experience, Fitzdares has been around since 2005 and continues to establish itself as one of the top high-end British bookmakers, winning awards such as the SBC Best Private Bookmaker. 

Catering to every kind of bettor, it has a great website and mobile app that are easy to use and offer an exemplary user experience. The platform also likes to emphasize its top customer support and provides personalised assistance via several channels, including phone, email, and live chat. It also accepts a range of payment methods, including traditional options like debit cards and bank transfers, supporting safe and secure transactions.

Market Coverage and Betting Options

Bringing a wide variety of betting options for horse racing fans and punters, Fitzdares covers all of the major UK and international events. 

It is one of the most popular betting options at the site, featuring weekly races up and down the country, as well as the big ones like Cheltenham, the Grand National, and Royal Ascot. There are also plenty of international races to bet on, including Ireland, France, the USA, and Australia. Place traditional bets such as win and each-way bets, future bets, ante-post specials, and more and find some of the most competitive odds on the market exclusively at Fitzdares. 

Bonuses and Promotions

Fitzdares offers a number of promotions tailored to horse racing and its keen punters at the site. 

This includes free bet welcome offers when first signing up with the site and placing a qualifying bet. There are also ongoing promotions available to existing bettors, such as best odds guaranteed on UK and Irish races and chances to claim more free bets and bet insurance on other types of wagers. On the bigger races and events, bettors can find enhanced odds and exclusive offers, such as extra-place payouts for added value and excitement throughout the racing calendar. 

Pros

  1. IconModern and premium platform
  2. IconTop-tier customer support
  3. IconPlenty of betting options
  4. IconLive streaming is available

Cons

  1. IconMinimum deposit is higher than other betting sites

Copybet Overview

Founded in 2016, Copybet is another one of the more established names in the sports betting industry. Recognised at the EGR Operator Awards, it has received praise for its outstanding sports betting services and fantastic range of features, sports, and offers.

Highly regarded for its ease of use, Copybet offers a simple yet effective platform on both mobile and desktop. The app is responsive and provides the same features and functionality as the desktop website, with features such as live betting and streaming accessible. It has multiple customer support options available 24/7 with recognised payment methods, so users will know it supports safe and secure transactions.

Market Coverage and Betting Options

Some of the best horse racing betting markets can be found at Copybet. Its experience in the industry has meant the platform knows what punters want and provides it.

Well known for producing odds earlier than most other sites, customers at Copybet can access markets ahead of the game. Copybet is only currently available for UK and Irish players, but they could be expanding soon. Operating a key system, bettors can see if races have extra places, enhanced odds, have finished, or if they are available to watch live and place live bets.

Bonuses and Promotions

Offering some valuable and competitive bonuses, Copybet has plenty for users to take advantage of each day.

There is a selection of daily bonuses, top price guarantees, insurance on non-runners, and price boost offers. Specials, enhanced odds, and ante-post bet offers are up for grabs, alongside plenty of jockey and trainer specials. Punters can also find exclusive offers to the site, such as enclosure specials, and even have the opportunity to tweet using the hashtag ‘YourOdds’ to Copybet to get the prices on a particular market you request. 

Pros

  1. IconLong-serving and established bookmaker
  2. IconTop live betting and streaming features
  3. IconStrong customer service features
  4. IconTraditional sports betting feel

Cons

  1. IconWithdrawals can take longer

NRG Bet Overview

Introduced in 2024, NRG may not have the same experience as some sports betting platforms, but it has certainly made a name for itself, rapidly growing in popularity among bettors.

It offers a sleek and modern sports betting platform that is accessible on mobile and desktop with easy navigation and a seamless betting experience from start to finish. Make deposits and withdrawals easily thanks to NRG's range of accepted payment methods, and enjoy fast transactions, too! The site has received recognition for its excellent customer service at the EGR Operator Awards. Users can expect a positive experience from responsive support agents through live chat, email and phone. It continues to be a popular choice among sports bettors.

Market Coverage and Betting Options

NRG offers a strong market coverage of lots of horse racing action to ensure there is never a dull day for punters at the site. 

The site has daily racing odds on racing events in the UK, Ireland, Australia and South Africa, with plenty to place on the day as well as future and ante-post betting available across the likes of Cheltenham, Royal Ascot and The Grand National. Place each-way bets, without the favourite, and lengthen your odds bets on the day or ahead of time, with competitive prices on all markets.

Bonuses and Promotions

Home to some of the most valuable and exciting horse race betting bonuses, NRG offers customers many exclusive offers, specials, ongoing promotions, and new customer bonuses to enhance their betting experience.

Receive a valuable free bet new customer welcome offer when you join, and benefit from daily horse racing specials on jockeys, trainers, how many winners will a trainer have, how many favourites are going to win, you name it, and NRG will provide it. In addition to daily offers, there are also lots of chances to claim promotions on future bets and ante-post bets at big racing events in the UK and Ireland. 

Pros

  1. IconExcellent customer support
  2. IconUser-friendly platform
  3. IconSeamless betting experience
  4. IconSleek and well-designed platform

Cons

  1. IconAppearance may not appeal to bettors after a more traditional platform

Betfred Overview

One of the oldest bookmakers in the UK, Betfred is known for its presence in the sports betting market, not only online but also on the high street. Founded in 1967, it has over five decades of experience providing punters with a top betting experience and has received accolades at the EGR Awards for sports betting and innovation.

Offering a traditional yet modern platform, Betfred has an efficient mobile app to accompany its website so users can check and place bets on the go. It has great promotions and offers a top-quality live-streaming service. Customer support is available around the clock, with various payment methods supported, including debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers, to make fast and easy transactions. The combination of experience and fantastic user-friendly features is one of the reasons Betfred remains a top choice for bettors.

Market Coverage and Betting Options

Betfred offers comprehensive market coverage and a range of different betting options for its horse racing betting customers. Covering all major races in the UK and Ireland, and others from all over the world, there is plenty to keep punters entertained.

Expect a wide variety of races to wager on, including action from France, America, and South America. Enjoy streaming and betting on races live, as well as the more traditional markets such as head-to-head markets, faller insurance betting, and more. Even build your own racecard with Betfred’s unique feature to see all of the information in one place, making viewing the race you want to bet on easier.

Bonuses and Promotions

So many fantastic offers await customers at the best horse racing betting sites, from the best odds guaranteed assurances and price boosts to some more unique, lesser-known promotions. 

Punters at Betfred can expect to find opportunities to claim Extra Place Races offers, allowing for additional payout places on selected meets. Additionally, special promotions on certain races can be claimed, including Double Delight and Hat-Trick Heaven, which enhance players' winnings when backing winning selections. These features are just some of the reasons Betfred is such a strong choice amongst keen horse race bettors, as they provide added value and flexibility to your betting experience.

Pros

  1. IconEstablished bookmaker
  2. IconExcellent live streaming services
  3. IconRange of accepted payment methods
  4. IconModern yet traditional theme and features

Cons

  1. IconWebsite design could be considered outdated

Betfred also appears in our list of recommendations for the top tennis betting sites in the UK. If you want to find out more about tennis betting and the great deals currently on offer for tennis, head over to our dedicated page.


How to Sign Up for a Horse Racing Betting Site

Signing up for any of these top horse racing betting sites is really simple! Follow our step-by-step guide below to help you get started.

  1. To get started, go to the bet365 website or app. Locate the ‘Log In’ box and select to enter your username and password. A' Join Now' button should be in the bottom left-hand corner of the box - click here to start the registration process.

  2. Now, you should see a registration form. Select your country of residence and complete the form by entering your personal details, such as your email address, mobile number, full name, date of birth, and nationality. 

  3. Next, enter your address, then create your login details. This will become your username and password for your account at bet365, which you use each time you log in.

  4. If you have a new customer promo code you wish to claim, enter it after you have completed the registration form. 

  5. A ‘bonus code’ box should appear below where you enter your login details. Put the code here and press ‘Join bet365.’

  6. All new sign-ups at bet365 must verify their accounts before getting started. Log in to your account and click ‘Verify Now’. Follow the steps from the bookmaker.

  7. Once complete, wait for the site to confirm, and you should be ready to go.

  8. Finally, start exploring the site, make a deposit into your account and start your betting journey with the leading horse betting bookies in the business.


Top UK Horse Racing Events

We are lucky enough in the UK to have some of the biggest horse racing events in the world that attract fans, punters, and racegoers from all over. We have looked at the three main events below.

Cheltenham Festival - 10th 13th March 2026

Taking place in March each year, the Cheltenham Festival is the biggest event on the horse racing calendar. It is a four-day extravaganza that brings the biggest and best in the business together in one place and is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. It sees one of the best battles between Britain and Ireland and attracts one of the largest crowds. It is also the biggest event of the year for bookmakers, as millions place bets across the four days, with over three million placed on The Gold Cup race alone.

Grand National - 9th-11th April 2026

The Grand National, held each April, is an event that lasts three days. The big race takes place on Day 3 and has been described as the world's greatest steeplechase. An event of incredible proportions, it is full of unmissable action. First run back in 1839, it has etched its way into British history. The race itself is a handicap steeplechase over around four miles and 2 ½ furlongs that sees the runners jumping over 30 fences throughout two laps. A total of 34 horses take part, who are seven years old and up. They must be rated 125 or more by BHA and have previously placed in a recognised chase of 2 miles 7½ furlongs or more.

Royal Ascot - 16th-20th June 2026

The highlight of the flat racing season in Britain, Royal Ascot, takes place annually in June and involves five days of top-class racing action. It is a major social and fashion event that attracts many of the world’s finest racehorses. Its dress code remains a part of its traditions, whereby men must wear a full morning suit with a waistcoat and black or grey top hat at all times, and women must also wear a hat and follow a strict dress code. The event hosts 35 flat races, with top contenders competing for over £10 million in prize money. 


Cheltenham Festival 2026: The Ultimate Betting Guide

Cheltenham Festival, for UK punters, represents the pinnacle of horse racing and is the biggest event in the UK horse racing calendar. This year, the festival is set to take place on the 10th-13th March 2026 and is on track to attract more than a quarter of a million spectators. This event generates hundreds of millions in betting turnover across the United Kingdom and Ireland, all adding to the anticipation.

Why Cheltenham Festival is Unique

Unlike other UK racing events, Cheltenham Festival brings the very best horses, trainers and jockeys together. The Festival's quality means that the races are often much more exciting and harder to predict. The races are often considered months in advance, meaning studying form and ante-post betting is more common here. This can be rewarding for knowledgable punters.

The famous Prestbury Park course can be a challenge for the horses and jockeys with it's undulating track and tricky uphill finish. This type of track favours horses with stamina and experience. So, studying previous Cheltenham form can be a crucial part of making betting selections.


Cheltenham Festival 2026: Day-by-Day Betting Guide

Day 1 - Champion Day (Tuesday 10th March 2026)

The biggest and best opening to a festival, Champion Day! Kicking things off, Champion Day brings a a huge selection of exciting races, including the feature race of the day, the Unibet Champion Hurdle. This Grade 1 race has been won by racing legends, Istabraq, Hurricane Fly and Constitution Hill.

Key Cheltenham Day 1 Betting Markets:

  • Champion Hurdle Winner

  • Supreme Novice's Hurdle Winner

  • Arkle Challenge Trophy Winner

  • Top Trainer on Day 1

Betting Strategy:

The opening day of the Festival often begins with more cautious punters backing the favourites, so they can play the long game across the entire 4-day event. You may find better value in each-way bets on competitive handicap races like the Ultima Handicap Chase, where extra place terms are more commonly offered.

Day 2 - Ladies Day (Wednesday 11th March 2026)

Showcasing the glitz and glamour of the event, the second day brings the best dressed ladies from across the country. With the highly-anticipated Queen Mother Champion Chase, Cheltenham Festival Day 2 is one to watch! The two-mile feature race of the day consistently produces thrilling finishes and has featured incredible champions like Sprinter Sacre and Altior.

  • Queen Mother Champion Chase Winner

  • Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Winner

  • Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle Winner

  • Britain vs Ireland daily winner count

Betting Strategy:

On Day 2 of Cheltenham Festival, bookmakers tend to enhance their each-way terms to 4 or 5 places, making this day an excellent opportunity for those seeking value bets. With the handicap races attracting larger fields of bettors, this can be a particularly effective way to bet.

Day 3 - St Patrick's Thursday (Thursday 12th March 2026)

The ultimate celebration of Irish racing heritage, Day 3 at Cheltenham features to renowned Stayer's Hurdle race. It also brings a second feature race in the Ryanair Chase, adding to the excitement of the day. The Festival is well underway by Day 3, and can be the decider on how people choose to bet on the final day!

Key Betting Markets:

  • Stayers' Hurdle Winner

  • Ryanair Chase Winner

  • Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Winner

  • Leading Irish-trained winner

Betting Strategy:

Historically, Irish horses have dominated on St Patrick's Thursday, so consider backing an Irish horse and jockey duo. We tend to see a lot of success from trainers like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, so this is something to consider.

Day 4 - Gold Cup Day (Friday 13th March 2026)

On the final day of the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, the winner of the Gold Cup is crowned! Every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of winning this tricky chase over 3 miles 2 and a half furlongs, so there is huge anticipation!

Key Betting Markets:

  • Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner

  • Triumph Hurdle Winner (for four-year-olds)

  • Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase Winner

  • Festival Leading Jockey

  • Festival Leading Trainer

Betting Strategy:

As the Festival comes to a close, bookies often reduce the prices on their favourites, so we recommend considering combination bets across the day's feature races to maximise potential value. Don't underestimate the potential of previous Festival winners!


Cheltenham Festival Betting Tips and Strategies

Understanding Cheltenham Festival Form:

  • Previous Cheltenham Course Form: Horses that have run well at Cheltenham previously can have an advantage. The unique demands of the racecourse, such as the testing uphill finish, will favour horses who have proven they can handle it.

  • Festival Experience vs Potential: There's often value in backing previous Festival competitors over novices, even if prices are shorter. Horses making their Festival debut can sometimes find the atmosphere and occasion overwhelming, which is always something to consider.

  • Ground Conditions at Cheltenham: The racecourse's ground can vary from good to soft to heavy depending on winter rainfall. It can be beneficial to check long-range weather forecasts and study which horses have performed well in similar circumstances. Based on previous stats, Irish-trained horses often perform better on softer ground.

The Ireland vs Great Britain Battle:

One of Cheltenham's signature features is the fierce rivalry between Irish and British-trained horses. Recent statistics show that Irish trainers have dominated recent Festivals, with Willie Mullins regularly saddling double-figure winners. Irish competitors typically offer excellent value in the betting market with British horses often representing better value in races where home advantage matters.

Don't be afraid to back Irish horses at Cheltenham, even at relatively short prices. The investment Irish yards make specifically targeting Festival races often shows in the quality of the horses, jockeys and trainers.

Cheltenham Ante-Post Betting Strategy

The nature of ante-post betting can bring better odds but can also bring more risks. As you are betting on the Festival in advance, a lot of factors can come into play and change the outcome.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. IconMuch bigger prices available on potential winners
  2. IconEarly access to markets before heavy betting activity
  3. IconOpportunity to back multiple horses in the same race at value prices

Cons

  1. IconNo refund if your selection doesn't run (unless NRNB offered)
  2. IconForm can change significantly between booking and race day
  3. IconGround conditions may not suit your selection

Best Practice for Ante-Post Betting:

  • We recommend only using bookmakers that offer NRNB on Cheltenham races to avoid the potential disappointments that come with ante-post betting.

  • It can also be favourable to diversify across multiple selections in big-field handicaps.

  • We advise that you monitor the proceedings leading up to the Festival and be prepared to adjust your betting strategy.

Backing Favourites vs. Finding Value at Cheltenham

When to Back Cheltenham Favourites:

  • Well-handicapped horses dropping in class

  • Previous Festival winners returning to defend titles

  • Horses from Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, or Paul Nicholls in their specialist races

  • Proven course-and-distance winners

Where to Find Cheltenham Value:

  • Competitive handicaps with 20+ runners

  • Races featuring unexposed Irish novices

  • Supporting horses with strong jockey bookings

  • Betting without the favourite markets when there's a short-priced runner

Cheltenham Betting Bankroll Management

The Cheltenham Festival is a glorious 4-day event and therefore requires a disciplined betting approach, for example:

  • Divide your Cheltenham betting budget into four equal portions

  • Don't chase losses from earlier days

  • Set maximum stakes per race (suggested 2-5% of daily budget)

  • Keep some reserve for Gold Cup Day opportunities

  • Track all bets to learn from successful and unsuccessful selections


Common Cheltenham Festival Betting Mistakes to Avoid

1. Betting Too Much Too Soon

The Festival spans four days with 28 races. Common mistakes include:

  • Backing too many horses on Day 1 and exhausting your budget

  • Chasing losses from earlier days with bigger stakes

  • Not saving enough budget for Gold Cup Friday opportunities

2. Ignoring Course Form

Cheltenham's unique track characteristics make previous course experience invaluable. Avoid:

  • Backing horses with no previous Cheltenham runs in championship races

  • Overlooking proven course winners, even at shorter prices

  • Ignoring how horses handled the uphill finish previously

3. Overvaluing Recent Form

Horses can peak and trough. Recent form alone isn't enough because:

  • Cheltenham is often a season-long target with planned preparation

  • Some horses deliberately run below par in lead-up races

  • Festival atmosphere and class level differ from regular meetings

4. Neglecting Ground Conditions

The going at Cheltenham dramatically affects results. Don't:

  • Bet without checking the official going description

  • Ignore ground preferences shown in past performances

  • Forget that ground can change significantly during a day's racing


Key Statistics for Cheltenham Festival Betting 2026

To make better decisions, it is important to understand Cheltenham statistics. Here are some key facts to consider before this year's Festival:

Historical Favourites
Champion Hurdle
7 of the last 10 favourites have won
Queen Mother Champion Chase
6 of the last 10 favourites successful
Stayers' Hurdle
5 of the last 10 favourites have won
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Only 4 of the last 10 favourites have prevailed

Betting Insight: Favourites perform better in championship races with smaller fields. Look for value against the favourite in the Gold Cup.

Trainer Dominance
Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins has trained 100+ Festival winners
Gordon Elliott
Gordon Elliott regularly saddles 10+ winners per Festival
Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson
Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson lead British trainers with impressive Festival records

Betting Insight: Following top trainers in their target races provides a solid foundation, especially when combined with other positive indicators.

Jockey Championship Battle

The Leading Jockey title at Cheltenham is fiercely contested. Recent champions include:

  • Paul Townend (Willie Mullins' stable jockey)

  • Rachael Blackmore (history-making Irish jockey)

  • Ruby Walsh (retired with record 59 Festival wins)

Betting Insight: Consider jockey bookings when assessing chances. Top jockeys often get the pick of rides from major trainers.


Popular Horse Racing Betting Promotions

Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG):

Best odds guaranteed is a valuable offer that ensures bettors receive the best possible odds on their selections. Say you were to place your bet on odds that later increased in the build-up to a race. BOG means that no matter what the odds change to, if they are more valuable after you place your bet, you will get the bet paid out at the higher odds should it be successful.

Enhanced Odds & Flash Promotions:

A great opportunity to claim higher odds with the potential for higher returns is through enhanced odds offers and flash promotions. These are often put on right before a race is due to start, and punters must be quick to claim them! In the lead-up to a race, always check your chosen betting site or app for limited-time offers and increased odds on top selections.

Loyalty Programs:

Uncover how bookmakers like Betway and Ladbrokes offer loyalty programs that reward frequent bettors with free bets, cashback offers, and race-day specials.

If you are the kind of bettor who likes to stick to what they know or always use the same site to bet on horse racing, you will have the potential opportunity to benefit from a customer loyalty program. This involves exclusive benefits and rewards just for frequent bettors and can be anything from free bets, cashback offers, raceday specials and more. Betway and Ladbrokes are two of the top betting sites known for having valuable loyalty programs.

Price Boosts:

A slightly lesser-known promotion that is offered by certain bookmakers, including Ladbrokes and Coral, are price boosts. These can be found on certain horses and races and involve the site artificially enhancing the odds on popular runners in the build-up to a race or day.


Horse Racing Betting Markets

Just like most sports, there is a wealth of betting markets available when it comes to wagering on horse racing. Below, we have looked at some of the most popular markets that can be found and how they work.

  • Win Betting - The easiest punt to have, simply place your money on the horse you think will win. If your selection crosses the line first, your bet should win; if your chosen horse does not win, your bet will be unsuccessful.

  • Each Way Betting - This consists of two different bets in one. Each-way betting means punters can put money on a horse to win and on the same horse to finish within the allocated places for the bet. Often, each-way bets cover the first three places.

  • Betting Without the Favourite - Becoming increasingly popular amongst horse racing punters is betting without the favourite. Perfect for when there is a short-priced runner, win your bet if your horse wins the race or is second behind the favourite.

  • Multiple Bets - There are several multiple bets that can be put on by horse race bettors, with the most common being a Lucky 15 - four horses and 15 bets. Cover every possible outcome between four runners-up to an accumulator for higher returns if you win. Other examples of multiple bets are Lucky 31 and Lucky 63.

  • NRNB - A non-runner no bet is a popular betting market opted for by punters as it means that if your selection is pulled out of the race before the start, you will get your bet back to place another.


Horse Racing Betting Strategies

If you are looking for some simple strategies to apply to your horse race betting, here we have covered the most common ones and how you can employ them in your bets.

Study Form

When we say study, we don’t mean it literally. In fact, anyone, no matter their experience with betting on racehorses, can study the form of a horse before placing a bet. So whether you are a beginner or a veteran at horse race betting, it is worth taking a look at a horse's recent run of form, who has been winning, running well, finishing close, and previous results at the racecourse to help give you an idea.

Check the Race Conditions

One of the most important aspects of horse racing is the race conditions, not only for the horse and jockey but for punters as well. The type of ground the race is run on directly impacts the outcome of a race and which horse is likely to win or place. Before confirming and placing your bets, check what type of ground the horse excels on and what the conditions are at the race you are looking forward to. It is also a way of ruling out certain runners in a field.

Research Trainers and Jockeys

While it may not be as effective as looking at previous results and the form of horses at races, it is always an added bonus to do your research on the trainers and jockeys behind the horses. If a horse is from a certain trainer known for producing winners or is being ridden by a recognised jockey, you can take this into account. The top jockeys often get to pick the best horse to ride, which can often be associated with the best trainers.


Top Tips for Making the Most of Horse Racing Bets

If you are wondering what you can do to get the most out of your horse betting experience at a site, we recommend checking before anything else that the site you want to use is fully licensed by a reputable gambling authority. This ensures a site is operating legally and has features in place to ensure fair play and responsible gambling.

Before signing up to a site to bet on horse racing, you may also want to check that it has the races you are interested in available to place bets on. A site with a wide range of horse racing betting markets will provide a better experience and more opportunities to bet. Alongside this, it is also worthwhile looking at the odds and comparing them between a number of bookmakers so you can make sure you are getting the best odds on your selections.

Check for the offers available to you at a site, take advantage of any free bet offers, and look for selections with the best odds guaranteed to ensure you do not lose out if the odds increase after you place your bet. 

Also, think about how you prefer to place your bets. Is it on a desktop, your phone, or an app? Are you on the go or at home? Check that a site you wish to use is compatible with mobile devices or has its dedicated app available for download, if this is your preference.

If you also want to watch live horse racing alongside placing your bets, check that this is an available feature at a site and what you need to do in order to benefit from the perk. Is this feature accompanied by the ability to place live bets alongside? Also, check the quality of the streams, the number of races, and the variety.


Mobile Betting Experience

So many horse racing betting sites now have to provide a top mobile-friendly site or app in this ever-changing digital age. More and more punters are looking to their phones to place their bets due to the convenience and being able to access it on the go. 

In particular, a site that offers a top mobile betting platform is bet365. The app that the provider brings to its customers is just like betting on the website. Its consistency across platforms is seamless, with the mobile offerings as responsive and user-friendly as the site on desktop. 

Another top mobile betting experience can be had at William Hill. The long-serving platform's classic layout and design work just as well on mobile, remaining easy to use and home to one of the largest selections of horse racing betting markets, offering plenty for punters to enjoy. Similar to bet365 and others such as Betfred, the mobile platforms are easy to navigate and keep that old school bookies feel on a modern platform and device.


Responsible Gambling

While enjoying your time spent betting on horse racing, it is also important to keep yourself aware of responsible gambling and the tools that are in place should you ever feel the need to use them. All of the top horse race betting sites will offer tools such as setting betting limits and deposit limits to ensure your spending can remain under control. Punters can also set timeout limits for their accounts in order to track the time they spend at a site. There will also be details on how to reach out for further support to organisations such as GambleAware.


Final Recommendations

Depending on your personal preferences and requirements from a betting site when it comes to horse race betting, each site caters to different bettors. To ensure a tailored experience for your experience and knowledge, the best overall site that we would recommend is bet365 for its extensive market coverage, competitive odds and really user-friendly website and mobile app. William Hill is a great starting point if you are new to horse racing betting, while Betfred can appeal to more advanced bettors with more in-depth coverage and unique features.


FAQs - Horse Racing Betting Sites UK

What should I look for in a horse racing betting site?
When deciding what horse racing betting site is best for you, it’s worthwhile looking at the range of markets and coverage of races, as well as the odds, promotions and licenses a site holds.
What is Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)?
BOG is when a site pays customers the best odds, regardless of whether the odds were lower when the initial bet was placed. 
Can I watch live horse races on betting sites?
Yes, many of the top horse racing betting sites allow users to watch races streamed live while using the platform.
What is an accumulator bet in horse racing?
An accumulator bet is when multiple selections can be added into one larger bet across different races.
Are there specific promotions for big events like Cheltenham or the Grand National?
Yes, many horse race betting sites offer specific promotions on big racing events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.
Can I bet on international horse races?
Yes, many horse racing betting sites will have international races available to bet on.