Horse Racing Bet Types in 2026

Find out more about horse racing bet types. British Racecourses look at all the different types of bets you can place.

If you are looking to bet on the horses, there are lots of different bet types and options. In our comprehensive guide, we examine all of them, from singles to Yankees, Lucky 15s to Goliaths, so you can find one that suits you. 

With so much selection in bet types, our teams at British Racecourses have broken down the various ones so you can find a bet to suit you, whether you are watching on TV at home, are going to the local betting shop or off for a day at the races – there are loads of fun and exciting bets for you to consider.

Check out our terminology guides on UK horse racing betting terms and the horse racing terminology in the UK.

Find a horse racing bet type today in our horse racing bets explained UK guide:

What Are The Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

There are many types of horse racing bets to choose from when placing a bet.

From singles to accumulators, we have a list of all betting types available for you to wager on. Are you ready?

The types of horse racing bets are:

Single

The most common type of horse racing bet is the single, also known as a straight win.

The single bet can be placed on the horse to win the race or an each-way, where you can receive returns for grabbing a place (typically 1st, 2nd, and 3rd). However, the number of places paid in an each-way bet is determined by the size of the field. Find out more about each-way bets.

For more details on singles (or straight bets as they are sometimes called) and a winning bet calculator, check out our complete guide here on single bets.

Double

A double bet is on two selections running in different races or events.

Both selections must win or place (if each-way) to guarantee a return. If one loses, the bet is off. They don’t have to be consecutive races.

For more details on this bet type, check out our guide here on double bets.

Treble

A treble bet is on three selections running in different races or events.

It is similar to a double, but all three selections must win or place (if each way) to guarantee a return.

For more in-depth info and details on trebles, check out our guide to treble bets.

That’s the basic bets out of the way, now on to some more exciting ones… and don’t forget to check out our best horse racing betting sites, if you are looking to bet online.

Trixie

A Trixie bet comprises three selections running in different horse races.

The Trixie bet is comprised of four bets in total, these being:

• 3 x doubles
• 1 x treble

To payout, a minimum of two selections must win or place in each-way bet, to get a return. A Trixie is a multiple bet type.

Patent Bet

A Patent bet is one with three different selections and seven total bets.

It is equivalent to a Trixie, with three singles added. So a patent bet is:

• 3 x singles
• 3 x doubles
• 1 x treble

The total winnings will depend on the outcome of the different horses and the amount you have decided to stake.

To receive a payout from a Patent bet, one selection must win or place (if e/w) to guarantee a return.

Accumulator

An accumulator bet comprises four or more selections running in different races.

All four or more selections must win or place (if each way) to guarantee a return. It’s a step up from a double and treble.

For more details, check out our guide here on accumulator bets.

The next bets are very popular and “fun” bets, especially if you are watching on TV and like to have a runner in the main day’s races…

Yankee Bet

A Yankee bet is a wager with four sections; these four horses work themselves into the following bets:

• 6 x doubles
• 4 x trebles
• 1 x fourfold accumulator

A minimum of two selections must win or place to guarantee a return. You can place a Yankee bet to win or each way.

A Yankee is a multiple bet type.

For more details, check out our guide here on Yankee bets – it goes into more detail and also has a winnings calculator, should you be so lucky!

Lucky 15

A Lucky 15 is a popular bet that consists of 15 individual bets from 4 horse selections running in different races.

It is the equivalent of a Yankee but with the addition of four singles, so a Lucky 15 consists of:

• 4 x singles
• 6 x doubles
• 4 x trebles
• 1 x four-fold accumulator

A minimum of one selection must win or place for a each-way Lucky 15 to guarantee a return. The payout and winnings vary depending on how many of the bets win or place; the more that do, the better the winning return to the punter. Many people consider the Lucky 15 one of the most intelligent bets in horse racing, as it offers numerous options and bet types.

A Lucky 15 is a multiple bet type.

For more details, check out our guide here on Lucky 15 bets.

Canadian

A Canadian Bet is a type of wager which consists of 26 individual bets.

Also known as a Super Yankee, a Canadian comprises five-horse selections running in five different races. They don’t have to be consecutive races.

The Canadian Bet is 26 bets and comprises:

• 10 x doubles
• 10 x trebles
• 5 x fourfold
• 1 x five-fold accumulator

A minimum of two selections must win or place (if done each-way) to get a return.

A popular horse racing betting option with many punters.

For more details, check out our guide here on Canadian bets.

Lucky 31

A Lucky 31 consists of 31 individual bets with five selections running in different races.

It is the equivalent of a Super Yankee but with the addition of five singles, so it consists of:

• 5 x singles
• 10 x doubles
• 10 x trebles
• 5 x fourfolds
• 1 x fivefold

The payout and winnings will depend on how many of the bets you win or place. A minimum of one selection must win or place to guarantee a return.

These types of bets can yield potentially high profits, but they are pretty difficult to win due to the numerous possible outcomes.

For more details, check out our more detailed guide here – Lucky 31 bets.

Super Yankee

A Super Yankee Bet is a type of wager which consists of 26 individual bets with five selections running in different races.

Also known as a Canadian, a Super Yankee comprises five selections running in different races.

The 26 bets comprise:

• 10 x doubles
• 10 x trebles
• 5 x fourfolds
• 1 x a five-fold accumulator

A minimum of two selections must win or place to guarantee a return, depending on the stake being wagered on a winning bet or each-way.

A popular horse racing betting option with many punters.

For more details, check out our guide here on Super Yankee bets.

Heinz

The Heinz Bet is a type of wager which consists of 57 individual bets with six selections running in different races.

The 57 bets comprise:

• 15 doubles
• 20 trebles
• 15 fourfolds
• 6 x five-folds
• 1 x sixfold accumulator

The Heinz bet type is named after the company slogan from Heinz 57 ‘varieties’.

A minimum of two selections must win or place to get a return on your bet.

For more details, check out our guide on Heinz bets.

Lucky 63

A Lucky 63 consists of 63 individual bets with six selections running in different races.

It is the equivalent of a Heinz 57 but with the addition of six singles, so it consists of:

• 6 x singles
• 15 x doubles
• 20 x trebles
• 15 x fourfolds
• 6 x fivefolds
• 1 x sixfold

The payout of Lucky 63s varies depending on the odds and the number of horses winning. A minimum of one selection must win or place to get a payout.

For more details check out our guide here on Lucky 63 bets.

Super Heinz

The Super Heinz Bet consists of 120 individual bets with seven selections running in different races.

The 120 bets comprise:

• 21 x doubles
• 35 x trebles
• 35 x fourfolds
• 21 x five-folds
• 7 x six-folds
• 1 x sevenfold accumulator

A minimum of two selections must win or place to get a return on the bet; the winning will depend on the stake wagered, odds and whether you bet a win or an each-way bet.

A popular horse racing betting option with many punters.

For more details, check out our guide here on Super Heinz bets. We also have a calculator available to help you calculate your winnings.

Goliath

The Goliath Bet consists of a whopping 247 individual bets with eight selections running in different races.

The 247 bets comprise:

• 28 x doubles
• 56 x trebles
• 70 x fourfolds
• 56 x five-folds
• 28 x six-folds
• 8 seven-folds
• 1 x eightfold accumulator

A minimum of two selections must win or place to get a return. If you get all eight selections placed or winning in this bet, you are in for a big payout!

For more details, refer to our guide on Goliath Bets.

Don’t forget it you are putting a bet on be sure to check out our UK racecourse guides, we give lots of information so that you can hopefully pick some winners. Check out our picking a winning horse blog as well.

Union Jack Trebles

The Union Jack Trebles Bet consists of 8 individual bets with nine selections running in different races.

The nine bets comprise:

• 8 x trebles

Groupings are determined by laying out the selections in a 3×3 Union Jack grid.

This forms three horizontal trebles, three vertical trebles and two diagonal trebles in the design of the Union Jack flag – hence the name!

For more details, check out our guide here on Union Jack Trebles bets.

Union Jack Trixie

The Union Jack Trixie Bet consists of 32 individual bets with nine selections running in different races.

The 32 bets comprise:

• 8 x trebles
• 24 x doubles

Groupings are determined by laying out the selections in a 3×3 grid pattern, similar to a Union Jack.

This forms three horizontal triangles, three vertical triangles, and two diagonal triangles in the design of the Union Jack flag.

A Union Jack bet is a popular one enjoyed by many weekly punters.

For more details, check out our guide here on Union Jack Trixie bets.

Union Jack Patent

The Union Jack Patent Bet consists of 56 individual bets with nine selections running in different races.

The 56 bets comprise:

• 8 x trebles
• 24 x doubles
• 24 x singles

Groupings are determined by laying out the selections in a 3×3 Union Jack grid.

This forms three horizontal stripes, three vertical stripes, and two diagonal stripes in the design of the Union Jack flag.

For more details check out our guide here on Union Jack Patent bets.

Union Jack Round Robin

The Union Jack Round Robin Bet consists of 80 individual bets with nine selections running in different races.

The 80 bets comprise:

• 8 x trebles
• 24 x doubles
• 24 x up-and-down single stakes about pairs

Groupings are determined by laying out the selections in a 3×3 Union Jack grid.

This forms three horizontal and three vertical round robins, as well as two diagonal round robins, in the design of the Union Jack flag.

For more details, check out our guide here on Union Jack Round Robin bets.

Alphabet

The Alphabet Bet consists of 26 individual bets with six selections running in different races.

The 26 bets comprise:

• 2 x patent bets (14 bets)
• 1 x Yankee bet (11 bets)
• 1 x six-fold accumulator (one bet)

A minimum of one selection must win or place to get a return. For more details, check out our guide here on Alphabet bets.

Single Stakes About

A Single Stake About is on two selections running in different races.

The Single Stakes About bet is two single bets on the two selections.

Any return on each single (up to the original stake amount) is used to fund a further single on the other selection.

A minimum of one selection must win or place to guarantee a return.

For more details, check out our guide here on Single Stakes About bets.

Double Stakes About

A Double Stakes About is on two selections running in different races.

The Double Stakes About bet is two single bets on the two selections.

Any return on each single (up to double the original stake amount) is used to fund a further single on the other selection.

A minimum of one selection must win or place to guarantee a return.

For more details, check out our guide here on Double Stakes About bets.

Round Robin

A Round Robin bet is a wager with three different selections and 10 total bets.

The ten bets consist of:

• 3 x doubles
• 1 x treble
• 3 x  up-and-down single stakes about pairs

For more details, check out our guide here on Round Robin bets.

Flag

A Flag bet is a wager with four different selections and 23 total bets.

The 17 Flag bets are:

• 6 x doubles
• 4 x trebles
• 1 x  four-fold
• 6 x up-and-down single stakes about pairs

Super Flag

A Super Flag bet is a wager with five different selections and 46 total bets.

The 46 bets consist of:

• 10 x doubles
• 10 x trebles
• 5 x fourfolds
• 1 x fivefold
• 10 x up-and-down single stakes about pairs

For more details, check out our guide here on Super Flag bets.

Heinz Flag

A Heinz Flag bet is a wager with six different selections and 87 total bets.

The 87 bets consist of:

• 15 x Doubles
• 20 x Trebles
• 15 x Four-Folds
• 6 x Five-Folds
• 1 x Six-Fold Accumulator
• 15 x Single Stake About Bets in pairs

A minimum of one selection must win or place to guarantee a return.

It is similar to a Heinz Bet with the added 15 pairs of Single Stake About Bets.

For more details, check out our guide here on Heinz Flag bets.

Super Heinz Flag

A Super Heinz Flag bet is a wager with seven different selections and 162 total bets.

The 162 bets consist:

• 21 x Doubles
• 35 x Trebles
• 35 x Four-Folds
• 21 x Five-Folds
• 7 x Six-Folds
• 1 x Seven-Fold Accumulator
• 21 x Single Stake About pairs

A minimum of one selection must win or place to get a return.

It is similar to a Super Heinz Bet with the added 21 pairs of Single Stake About Bets.

For more details, check out our guide here on Super Heinz Flag bets.

Goliath Flag

A Goliath Flag bet is a wager with eight different selections and 303 total bets.

The 303 bets consist of:

• 28 x Doubles
• 56 x Trebles
• 70 x Four-Folds
• 56 x Five-Folds
• 28 x Six-Folds
• 8 x Seven-Folds
• 1 x Eight-Fold Accumulator
• 24 x Single Stakes About pairs

A minimum of one selection must win or place to guarantee a return.

It is similar to a Goliath Bet with the added 24 pairs of Single Stake About Bets.

For more details, check out our guide here on Goliath Flag bets.

Straight Forecast

A Straight Forecast bet enables you to choose two selections for a race, and these two horses need to finish first and second for you to win.

You can often get good odds for this from the different bookies, as it’s more challenging to win than just betting on the first-place winner.

This is one of the popular bet types which many punters like to choose as it still offers good profits and isn’t as tricky as some of the other options.

Tricast

A Tricast is where you choose three selections that you think will finish first, second and third in that particular race.

You need to get all three correct to win your bet and take home the profits.

Lots of punters will put on these types of bets as they can be very exciting, as it comes down to the very last moment to see which horses will come in the top three places.

Each Way Bet

An each-way bet is a two-part bet, with half the stake going on the selection to win and the other half on the selection to place. It costs double that of a traditional win bet and will yield some return if the selection wins or is placed.

In some races, people use horse racing each-way bets to cover more bases and increase their chances of winning a profit.

The way this works is if your horse wins the race, you’ll receive the winnings for the ‘win’ and ‘place’ portions of your bet.

But if your choice comes in 2^nd, you will be paid either a quarter or a fifth of the odds for your stake.

This can also apply if your pick comes in 3rd or 4th, depending on the individual terms for each race, based on the size of the field.

Typically, each way bet places are:

• 1st – for four runners or fewer
• 1st & 2nd for 5-7  runners
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for 8 – 15 runners
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th for 16 or more runners

Tote Placepot

A Placepot is a type of bet that requires you to choose a placed horse within the first six races at a single meeting.

All of your selections must be from the same meeting and in 6 consecutive races.

The positions can vary throughout the different races, but generally, you’re looking to place a horse in first, second or third place in these consecutive races.

Because it is a pool bet, all wagers are pooled, and all winners share an equal share of the total.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Racing Bet Types

The most frequently asked questions about horse racing bet types are as follows.

Also, if it is your first time placing a bet, check out our How to Place a Bet guide.

What is a 3 horse bet called?

A horse bet comprising three selections is one of the following:

• Trixie
• Patent
• Treble
• Round Robin
• Tricast

What is a 4-horse bet called?

A horse bet comprising four selections is one of the following:

• Yankee
• Lucky 15
• 4-Fold Accumulator
• Quadpot
• Flag

What is a 5-horse bet called?

A horse bet comprising of five selections is one of these:

• Super Yankee
• Lucky 31
• Canadian
• Super Flag
• 5-Fold Accumulator

What is a 6-horse bet called?

A horse bet comprising of six selections is one of these options:

• Lucky 63
• Alphabet
• Heinz
• 6-Fold Accumulator
• Tote Placepot

What bet can I do with seven horses?

A horse bet comprising seven selections is either:

• Super Heinz
• 7-Fold Accumulator

What is an 8-horse bet?

A horse bet comprising eight selections is one of these:

• Goliath
• 8-Fold Accumulator

What is the safest bet in horse racing?

The safest bet in horse racing is an each-way single bet.

Backing the racehorse each-way means you have the opportunity of still winning even if your selection comes 2nd, 3rd or 4th place (first second and third mainly)

A single bet means you do not need multiple horses for you to receive a return for your bet.

The place bet is advised by many of the best horse racing tipsters as a safer betting opportunity, especially in big-field races such as the Ayr Gold Cup, Grand National, Coral Gold Cup, and Ebor.

What are Tote Bets?

Tote bets work a little differently from the normal odds offered by online bookmakers.

Tote betting is a betting type which works somewhat like a jackpot. Essentially, you are placing bets on an event by adding money to a pool or prize amount.

Once all bets are placed, the odds are divided to create dividends, which represent the amount expected for each winning slip to receive.

One thing to remember about tote betting is that, unlike straightforward markets, you will receive your initial stake as part of your return amount, not as an extra sum on top.

Several rules go into tote betting, which are worth exploring. Tote pools are live and can be quite intense, with a minimum bet sometimes required.

If you’re interested in diversifying the way you place bets on horse races, consider tote pool betting for major meetings and championships, such as the Derby, races at Haydock Park, or the Cheltenham Festival.

Types of Bets Summary

As you can see, there are a whole load of different types of bets that you can enjoy.

When choosing a bet, it often boils down to what you fancy that day – for example, if you are sure of one particular result, you can put a larger stake single on to win, if you fancy a horse at big odds to make the frame in a race, an each-way bet is best.

Many of the multiple bets are popular with those looking for an afternoon or evening of fun (bets such as Yankees, Lucky 15s, etc.).

With all the bets we mentioned above, we provide more detailed information on individual pages, so be sure to check them out! Happy putting and good luck!