Monday 19th of August 2019
There are many different types of bets which you can place on a horse race – singles, doubles, Lucky 15s, Yankees… it can all seem very complicated, but it really isn’t!
In our handy Dooley Thoroughbred betting guide, we run through some of the most popular types of bets available so you can choose which is the best for you when looking to put a bet on a horse race.
Now, remember to always gamble responsibly and should you place any bets we wish you the best of luck!
These are probably the most popular type of bet in the UK and Ireland. This one is very simple; basically, you select one horse and put your money on who you think will WIN the race. It is a straight bet, valid on one race. Simply, if your horse wins you win! If it finished second or worse, you lose.
Each way bets are very popular (especially on big races like the Grand National or those races with lots of runners and where trying to pick the winner is very hard).
An each-way bet is basically a two-part bet where half of the money is placed on the horse winning, the other half on the horse running into a place. The size of the field determines the number of “places” that get paid out. Basically, places are paid out as below:
Horse races of less than 5 runners – just the 1st place horse wins.
Races which have between 5 and 7 runners – 1st and 2nd place wins.
Races with more than 8 runners – 1st, 2nd and 3rd wins.
Handicaps of more than 15 runners – 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th wins.
Another simple bet – basically a straight-forward bet where if your horse finishes in a position (as determined above) you will win!
TOP TIP: Sometimes in big races (and at major horse racing festivals such as Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National meeting etc) some bookmakers payout on more places. For instance, many bookies may out on up to 8 places in some races! So keep your eye open for that.
A straight forecast is correctly predicting the finishing order of the horses in first and second in a race. This is often good if there is a hot favourite that many believe is definitely going to win.
A reverse forecast is correctly selecting the first two horses but in no particular order. Good for those who can't decide between two horses!
A double is a multiple bet, where one amount of money is bet on two races. Both horses must win (or be placed if you bet each way) to guarantee a return on your investment. So basically – two horses for one stake!
A single bet on three races. All three selections must win (or be placed if betting each way) to guarantee a return. So basically – three horses for one stake!
The traditional accumulator comes in the form of fourfolds and above. As with the doubles or trebles, this is a group of selections and all of them must win to guarantee a return.
A bet comprising three selections and four bets – three doubles and a treble. A minimum of two selections must win to guarantee a return. For example, a £2.50 Trixie would cost £10. A £2.50 each-way Trixie would cost £20. A bet on three selections and consisting of four separate bets:
A minimum of two selections must win or be placed to gain a return.
A bet involving three selections and seven bets, these are:
It is the equivalent of a Trixie but with the addition of three singles. For example, a £2.50 Patent would cost £17.50. One winning selection will guarantee a return.
A popular betting type among punters, it consists of four selections and 15 bets (hence the name). These are:
The Lucky 15 is equivalent to a Yankee but with four singles! Only one selection must win to guarantee you a return.
The 'Lucky' part of the name of this and other similar bets comes from bookies offering bonuses for one or more winners; usually including double the odds for only one winning selection.
A bet consisting of four selections and 11 bets in total:
A minimum of two selections must win to guarantee you a return.
A minimum two selections must win to gain a return.
A wager consisting of five selections and 31 bets! These being:
Only one selection must win to guarantee you a return.
A wager on five selections and consisting of 26 bets in total These are:
A minimum two selections must win to gain a return.
A bet featuring six selections and 63 bets! These are:
One winning selection will guarantee a return.
A bet on six picks and compromising 57 separate bets:
A minimum two selections must win to gain a return.
120 separate bets!:
A minimum two selections must win to gain a return.
A wager on eight selections making up 247 separate bets! These are:
A minimum two selections must win to gain a return.
A bet consisting of six selections:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, working as below:
At least one correct selection guarantees a return.
The Placepot is another favourite for racegoers. You simply select a horse in each of the first 6 races at a specific racecourse and if that horse finishes in the placings (or wins of course) you win a share of the total pool.
The hardest bet to win. Correctly predict the first 6 winners at a specific racecourse on a single day to win a share of the pool. One wrong selection and that is it!
We hope you have enjoyed our simple guide to the type of bets. At Dooley Thoroughbreds, we don't promote or give out tips and if you should bet, we strongly recommended you to bet responsibly and as the saying goes - "when the fun stops, stop!".