Horse Racing Betting Terms

In the horse racing betting industry, there are so many betting terms flying around, and this handy jargon-buster can help you understand some of the standard horse racing terms.

From slang words to standard betting terms used by commentators, this handy jargon-buster guide can assist you in understanding the meanings as you will hear horse racing jargon, sayings, quotes and slang you might not understand.

Punters like to use plenty of confusing words when attending the racecourses, so our jargon-buster betting terms guide will make you sound like a seasoned professional.

You will be able to join in with the punting talk next time you attend the horse races.

In our horse racing terms guide, we run through all the terminologies and meanings behind popular sayings in horse racing.

A-Z Horse Racing Betting Terms

Here is the complete list of horse racing betting terminology, including UK slang terms.

Abandoned

The term ‘abandoned’ refers to the status of a race or racecourse, described as closed, usually due to adverse weather conditions.

If a race meeting is abandoned entirely, all bets will be void, and stakes will be returned to punters, with full refunds.

Accumulator

Horse racing accumulator betting is a lower-risk, higher-win potential bet that combines four or more selections into a single wager. There are a variety of accumulator bets to choose from so that you can predict a range of winners and potentially gain a massive sum of money!

An accumulator bet involves more than one horse racing selection, with the winnings from each selection going on to the next pick.

All selections must be successful to get a return.

Check out our guide for more information about accumulator bets.

Age

The age of a racehorse.

A racehorse does not have a specific birthday, as all horses are grouped together in age depending on the year they were born.

This means each horse, regardless of the day or month of the year they were born, is given a 1 January birthday.

Allowance

Allowance rates in horse racing are when weights are subtracted from the horse due to disadvantages, such as the age of the horse, the sex of the horse, the number of races won, and the experience of the jockey. There are starter allowance rates that depend on how long a horse has raced.

A horse carrying an inexperienced rider is given a weight concession to level the playing field.

The younger jockeys, or certainly the less experienced jockeys, may be given an allowance.

All Out

In horse racing, All Out is the terminology meaning that a horse is trying to the best of its ability. This terminology is frequently used in horse racing and betting to compare horses.

A horse or contestant is trying their best.

All-Weather

All-weather horse racing tracks are made of synthetic turf (or Polytrack), which makes the track available for racing in all conditions. All-weather championships feature over 200 fixtures designed to encourage owners and trainers to train throughout the year.

All-weather refers to artificial-surface tracks that can be raced on in all weather conditions.

Ante-post

Ante-post bets are placed prior to the actual race, offering a high reward, but with the risk that your horse may not race, resulting in a loss of your stake. Whether the ante-post bet is placed 24 or 48 hours before, it is an incredibly popular bet type because the rewards are excellent!

Ante-post betting is placing a bet on a horse race well in advance of the day of the horse racing event.

As the ante-post bets are when you place a bet on a horse to win a race in advance of the actual race taking place, you do need to check the Ante-post rules from the online bookmakers, as some do not offer money-back for non-runners.

Check out the comprehensive article on ante-post betting information.

Back

Back betting is when you select a horse to back by placing a bet of a certain amount of money after the bookmakers put the odds for the various horses out. Back betting is the most common type of betting with a bookmaker.

Back betting is where you bet on a horse as the bookmakers publish the odds for different horses.

Punters back one horse by betting to win (or each way).

Backing a horse is the opposite of a lay bet and the more traditional bet type.

Backward

A horse might be called ‘backwards’, and it means the racehorse is not fit or fully developed.

It means they are likely to improve their fitness from running a race.

Being backwards means the racehorse appears, based on paddock inspection, to be likely to “come on for the run”.

Banker

A banker, in horse racing terms, is the horse that is backed that is the most likely to win. The banker will be the horse with the highest strike rate and can be offered at a short price; however, this cannot always be guaranteed.

The banker is the selection that is supposedly a certain bet.

A banker bet is the most likely to win.

Some horse racing punters also refer to the banker selection as their NAP.

Bar

The Bar in horse racing refers to the lowest odds for horses that haven’t been quoted. Bar bets are normally given to shorten the list of names for an event. For very large races with numerous runners, the bar price highlights will appear on-screen to shorten the list.

Bar refers to the odds beyond which horses are not quoted.

33-1 bar means those racehorses not quoted are 33-1 or bigger.

The lowest odds of horses not mentioned in the betting forecast have not been quoted individually due to their price being further out than the bar odds on show.

Best Odds Guaranteed

In horse racing, if you are with a bookmaker offering, you will be paid out at the best odds. You will place your bet and take the best odds! If your starting price is higher than the odds, you will get even better odds!

The Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) is a special offer from betting sites and applies when the bookmaker agrees to settle your bet at the starting price (SP) if it is greater than the price you took when placing the bet.

If you back a horse at 4/1, but by the time the race is off, that horse is now 7/1. If the horse wins the race, then you receive the increased 7/1 price as a special BOG offer.

Some of the most popular bookies online

Check out some of the top-rated bookmakers offering best odds guaranteed special offers online.

Bet Slip

The bet slip in horse racing is the ticket that presents all the information you need. Whether you are looking for markets, odds, or stakes, they will all appear on your bet slip. You will be able to see your betting slip after you have placed your horse racing bet!

The form or slip where you write your bets, or if online, the box in which your bet selections appear. Here you select your bet type and stake.

Betting Calculator

Betting calculators are used to calculate your potential winnings. You can work out your winnings for any bet, such as single bets all the way to big complex bets and accumulators. Using a betting calculator can make it much easier to know your potential winnings.

A betting calculator enables you to check your potential winnings on horse racing bets.

The betting calculators require you to input your bet information, including the odds, stake, and bet type.

The free bet calculator will work out any returns you have won and calculate profits.

Betting exchange

A betting exchange is a website that allows you to bet against other users rather than a bookmaker. The betting exchange acts as a marketplace where other people who are also betting can take the bet that you have put down.

The most common betting exchange is Betfair, which allows users to back or lay horses on a race.

A betting exchange website is where you are betting against other people, rather than against the bookmaker.

Betting odds

The odds in betting are simply the maths of horse racing. They will appear in number forms, such as ‘5/2‘, so for every two units that you stake, you will receive five units if you win! Specific odds are favourable, while others are not.

Betting odds are the numerical value devised by bookmakers.

Betting odds are known as the price of the horse.

The betting odds are generally expressed in fractions, but in the US, they are typically used in decimal form.

If a punter does not want to take a price on the selection, he can wager and ask to take the SP, which stands for starting price.

Betting online

Betting online in horse racing is when you place your bets online, instead of going physically to the racecourse or a betting shop. Betting online can be a great option if you are unable to vote in person. This way, you can earn from home!

Betting online has grown as mobile internet connections have become more readily accessible.

With amazing betting apps, horse racing punters no longer need to go to the racecourse or to the high street bookies to place a bet.

Horse racing betting online offers great enhanced odds and special offers when wagering through the biggest betting brands’ websites.

Betting Ring

The betting ring is the physical location where bookmakers work. The bookmakers will provide you with a ticket at the betting ring, which contains all the details of your bet, known as the bet slip.

The betting ring is located within the paved area in front of the Grand Stand, where the bookmakers operate.

Another term used for the betting ring is the “Jungle.”

Betting tips

Betting tips in horse racing can often be provided by a ‘Tipster’, who will provide information, such as the outcome of the event, as well as tips and recommendations. A tipping service helps to sell insights and picks to clients.

Horse racing betting tips are recommendations of who will win a race.

The tipster is highlighting selections they feel have a better chance of winning than what the odds suggest.

Tipsters will often describe their best horse racing tip as an NAP, which is their best bet of the day.

Betting Without (W/O)

Betting without means placing a bet on a horse to win without including the favourite in the results. When you back a horse that comes behind the favourite horse, you will have won the bet!

Placing a bet excluding a specific selection, usually the favourites.

Betting without the favourite is common when there is an odds-on favourite.

Bit

A bar (usually made of stainless steel) that sits in the horse’s mouth and is attached to the bridle.

The bit is an item of a horse’s tack and includes the shanks, rings, cheek pads and mullen.

The bit usually refers to the mullen, which is the piece that fits inside the horse’s mouth.

Black type

Black type refers to the printing in bold type within the pedigree charts of sales catalogues for thoroughbred horses.

Racehorses earn black type when they win or place in Group or Listed races.

If a horse receives black-type status by running well in high-grade races, the value of the thoroughbred horse is worth much more, as it improves the pedigree and breeding in the sales catalogue.

Blinkers

A type of headgear fitted to a horse that limits its field of vision, mainly from each side. Blinkers are designed to help horses concentrate in races.

Bloodstock

A term used to describe the part of the racing industry which deals with racehorse breeding, be it at the sales, stud farms or elsewhere.

Board Prices

In horse racing, board prices are the odds that are listed on the bookmaker’s boards. Better can make their choices early on; however, you will not be able to make the board prices available once they are released. The prices are fixed odds.

Board prices are the available odds displayed on the boards of on-course bookmakers.

The Starting Price is derived from the board prices.

Boxwalking

Box-walking is the name given to describe characteristic, repetitive pacing movements that a horse may make around its stable.

A horse that constantly walks around the stable in which it is housed is known at the bloodstock sales as a box walker.

Boxed in

When a horse cannot obtain a clear run during a race due to other horses being near.

Breeze-up

A sale in which unraced two-year-olds are ridden, galloped or ‘breezed’ along the racecourse. Most of the horses have been purchased as yearlings, and are then broken in and ridden in preparation for them galloping at the sale.

Bridle

A piece of tack that fits over a horse’s head and to which the bit and reins are attached.

Broodmare

A mare (female horse) at stud who is kept to produce a foal.

Brought down

Used to describe a horse that falls because of another horse, rather than falling independently.

Bumper

Also known as a National Hunt Flat race, and usually run over two miles without any obstacles. Commonly used as a way to give horses race experience before tackling hurdles and fences.

Canadian

A Canadian in horse racing is 26 bets that involve five different types of events. If you have five selections in various events, this bet is the one for you, as it can give you some money in return if 2, 3, or 4 picks win!

A Canadian bet consists of 26 bets involving five selections in different horse racing events.

The Canadian bet includes 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five four-folds, plus an accumulator.

A minimum of two must-win outcomes must be achieved to guarantee a return when placing a Canadian bet.

Check out our calculator to work out Canadian bet winnings.

Cash out

A cash-out feature allows you to settle your bet before the event has ended. You will still get some winnings from your bet, which could be higher or lower than your expectations. The highest winnings may be lower than when the winnings are actually collected.

The cash-out feature is the amount a bookmaker has offered to pay out before an event has finished.

Taking a payout offered by your bookmaker before the completion of a bet is known as cashing out.

Many punters want to know the cash-out total if they have had a few winners before the last selection runs.

Find out more on our list of the best cash-out bookmakers online in June 2026.

Chase

A race run over fences.

Cheekpieces

A form of headgear which consists of pieces of sheepskin placed on either side of the bridle and performs a similar job as blinkers in helping the horse to concentrate.

Claimer

A jockey who takes weight off a horse to compensate for their relative inexperience as a rider. Their claim is reduced the more winners they have.

Classic

Grade 1 contests are confined to three-year-olds only in Britain. There are five Classics in Britain: 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, Derby, St Leger.

Clerk of the course

The person responsible for the overall management of a racecourse on a raceday.

Colt

An uncastrated male horse aged four years old or younger. A colt older than four is referred to as an entire or horse (if still racing) or stallion (if at stud).

Connections

A term often used in place of a horse’s owners and trainer.

Co favourite

A Co-favourite, in horse racing, is a horse that leads the market with one or more horses. A favourite horse can also be known as a ‘Jolly’, ‘Chalk’, or ‘Sponk.

A co-favourite in a horse race is a horse offered at the shortest odds by the bookmakers and shared favouritism with other horses.

A horse that leads the market with one or more horses is also referred to as a joint-favourite in the betting market.

Course Specialist

A course specialist is a horse that has proven at a track in previous races, meaning the horse will have run well over a particular course and distance.

A horse, contestant or selection that is known to perform well at a particular track.

Dam

Mother of a horse.

Dead-heat

When the race judge cannot split two or more horses at the finishing line, the prize is split between the horses and a dead heat is called.

Declared

A formal notification from a trainer to the racing authorities that they intend to run a horse in a particular race. Horses are commonly declared at either the 24-hour or 48-hour stage before a race.

Dividend

The term ‘Dividend’ is typically referred to in horse betting when the amount is returned on a winning tote bet. This can be declared in the decimal odds, and your stake is included in the return.

A dividend is often associated with Tote betting pools.

A Dividend, in betting terms, is the amount returned on a winning Tote bet.

The Tote dividend is declared in decimal odds, and your stake is included in the return.

These types of bets pay dividends on the Tote pools:

• Tote Placepot Bet Type
• Tote Quadpot Bet Type
• Tote Scoop 6 Bets
• Tote Jackpot Bets
• Tote Trifecta Bet
• Tote Exacta Bet Type

Draw

A term in Flat racing denoting a horse’s position in the starting stalls.

Drifter

A drifter is a horse that is continuously going in and out of the betting, known as a drifter, as the horse’s odds are drifting around so much. For example, the odds could start at 5/1 and gradually shift to 8/2.

A drifter is a horse that is going out in the betting market.

A horse’s price increases before the race begins.

Commonly referred to as “drifting out” in the betting odds.

Duel forecast

Duel Forecast, also known as a reverse forecast, is a bet that aims to predict the winner and the runner-up in any order. Bookmakers will offer dual forecast (reverse forecast) betting at any horse racing event.

A reverse forecast (or dual forecast) is a bet where the aim is to predict the winner and runner-up in either order.

Dutch

In horse racing, Dutching refers to backing two or more horses in a race to increase your chances of finding a winner, typically at shorter odds. Dutch is a highly popular betting strategy that allows you to profit from multiple outcomes.

Backing two or more horses in a race increases your chances of finding a winner, but essentially at shorter odds.

Each way

Each way is a bet that settles differently, depending on whether the horse places or wins. Half the total stake will be selected for a win, and the other half of the total stake will be for when a horse places.

A bet where half the total stake is for the selection to win and half is for the selection to be placed. The bet will be settled differently depending on whether the horse wins or places.

Edge

In horse racing and betting, the edge is the ability to find bets that have a larger probability of happening than the odds that you might receive. It is not always easy to find an edge, as it is often the best way to achieve success.

A punter’s advantage in a bet.

Evens

When a horse you have bet on is quoted as ‘evens’, it will typically mean that you will win a sum of money that is equal to your bet if the horse wins. You will get the money you have bet on in return for the win.

A price of 1-1. Your stake brings equal winnings: e.g. £10 staked at evens wins £10 (total return £20).

Favourite

The ‘favourite’ horse in the race will be offered at the shortest odds by the bookmakers. The favourite horse in the race will often get the nickname of ‘jolly’, being derived from the phrase ‘Jolly old favourite’.

The shortest-priced horse in the race is the market leader.

Fences

The type of obstacle jumped during chase races. There are different types of fences, including an open ditch, the water jump and a plain fence.

Filly

A female horse aged four or younger.

Foal

A horse aged younger than one.

Fold

In an accumulator, a fold will represent a number contained in a selection. Occasionally, bookmakers will use the term ‘leg’ instead of fold. Some bookmakers will go as high as 20 folds, which will then be combined after you have placed your bet and inserted your stake.

A fold represents the number of selections in an accumulator; a four-fold consists of 1 bet with four legs that all must win for a return.

Forecast

A forecast bet is a horse racing betting term used to describe the process of picking two selections in the same event and placing them in the order you think will place first or second. A straight forecast bet is getting incredibly popular in the UK horse racing events.

A bet where the aim is to predict both the winner and runner-up in a race. A straight forecast is the winner and runner-up in the correct order.

Form

A horse’s race record, which is denoted by figures next to its name in a racecard. The form may also include some letters, for example, F, indicating a fall.

Furlong

A furlong is a length equal to 220 yards or an eighth of a mile.

Horse racing commentators regularly say, “They are entering the final furlong”.

The furlong was a standard unit of measuring length back when horse racing first became a formalised sport in 16th-century England.

Gallop

A training strip used to exercise horses. Trainers have access to either their own private gallops or public gallops.

Gelding

A horse that has been castrated, often to improve its temperament.

Going

The underfoot conditions at the racecourse.

GoingStick

The GoingStick is a device used by Clerks of the Course to provide an objective numerical reading that reflects the state of the going at any given racecourse.

A GoingStick measures the underfoot conditions at the racecourse.

Goliath

A goliath bet is a popular bet that allows for a wide range of outcomes to be combined into a single wager. Goliath bets have a considerable number of 247 bets with eight selections; therefore, it is vital that you are experienced and understand the sport so you don’t lose out!

A bet consisting of 247 bets involving eight selections. The bet includes 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, eight seven-folds and an accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Graded race

The highest quality of race. Grade or Group 1 races are the highest quality, with Grade 2 and Grade 3 races a slightly lower quality.

Hacked up

A phrase used to describe a horse that has won comfortably.

Handicap

A type of race in which horses carry different weights depending on their overall rating, which the handicapper determines.

Handicapper

An official who assesses how horses should be rated, based on their previous performances.

Head-to-Head Betting

The phrase “head-to-head betting” is also known as two-way betting.

Head-to-head refers to backing or laying one of two outcomes in an outright market.

Hedging

In horse racing, hedging is a strategy where a bettor places a bet that goes against their original bet, as they are unsure of the outcome they may receive in the first place. Hedging is a risk-reducing strategy, but it can reduce your winnings.

This involves placing a bet on an outcome opposite the punter’s originally selected outcome, thereby guaranteeing winnings and limiting losses.

Heinz

Heinz betting is a bet that is more commonly used by experienced bettors, which consists of 57 bets with the chance to make a return if at least 2 of your bets win. Having a higher total stake than other forms of bets, there will be a lot of wagers being made.

A bet consisting of 57 bets involving six selections in different events. The bet includes 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds and an accumulator. A minimum of two of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Hood

Another type of headgear fitted over the horse’s head to cover its ears and muffle the noise of a raceday.

Horses for Courses

The meaning of horses for courses is that different people are suited to different things.

Here are different explanations for the meaning of horses for courses:

• Horses for courses means that what is suitable for one person or situation might be unsuitable for another
• Horses for courses’ meaning is that fitting in one case may not be fitting in another
• A mostly British expression urging someone to stick to the thing they know best
• The idiomatic expression “horses for courses” is choosing the person ideally suited for a particular job at hand
• People use horses for courses to mean that people and things have different qualities and skills, and so are suitable in other situations.

It is primarily a British horse-racing term referring to horses that run better on specific courses.

Here at British Racecourses, we provide guides on all racecourses in the UK and Irish racecourses.

Hurdles

The obstacles jumped during a hurdle race. They are smaller than fences and therefore require less jumping. Sometimes referred to as flights.

In the frame

In horse racing betting terms, the term ‘In the frame’ means that the particular horse has finished in the places. When a horse is ‘framed-up’, the horse is travelling in a pre-determined outline, which depends on the jockey’s rein action.

Another term for a horse that has finished in the places.

In-running

The term ‘In-running’ in horse racing refers to any event that occurs during the horse race. In-running can mean that a bet has been placed during the race or even just a comment made about it. An in-running bet can have a higher chance of winning!

A bet placed during the race, as opposed to before the race begins.

Joint favourite

The term ‘joint favourite’ means that there are two different horses that have the shortest odds in the bet, proving that they are the joint favourites to win the race and giving many people some winnings! This term is commonly used.

If two horses have the shortest odds in the betting, they are described as joint-favourites.

Jolly

A ‘Jolly’ is a horse that has the shortest odds in the bet, meaning it is the favourite to win! The favourite horse in the race will commonly be called the ‘Jolly’ due to the famous phrase ‘The jolly old favourite’.

A different term for the favourite in the market.

Juvenile

A ‘juvenile’ in horse racing refers to horses that are either two years old in Flat races or three years old in National Hunt races.

Lay

In horse betting, the ‘Lay’ is the complete opposite of backing a horse. The ‘lay’ is the least favourite or least jolly in the race. This horse will typically be thought not to win or even place in the frame.

A bet on a horse not to win (or not to place). The opposite of backing a horse.

Length

A length is the winning margin a horse has won by as it passes the finishing line.

The measurement would be approximately 8 to 9 feet, or can be measured by elapsed time as the horses cross the line, and may vary depending on the horse’s size and stride pattern.

Listed race

A race type one step below Grade 3/Group three contests.

Longshot

If a horse goes off at anything over 15/1 odds, this horse would be considered a long shot. Longshots are horses that will typically be thought to have little chance of winning; however, this makes the odds very high, so the winnings are large (making this bet popular).

A horse that appears to be unfancied in the market (20-1 shot, etc.).

Lucky 15

Horse racing bettors commonly use Lucky 15 bets as they only need one selection to win to get a return! The lucky 15 bet covers doubles, trebles and four-folds! If you have faith in each of your four selections winning, a Lucky 15 is the bet to do!

A bet consisting of 15 bets involving four selections in different events. The bet includes four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold. Only one selection must win for a guaranteed return.

Maiden

A horse that has yet to win a race.

Mare

A female horse aged five or older.

Market Mover

A ‘market mover’ in horse racing, in betting terms, will mean that a particular horse has had a complete price shift from when the market formed. If a horse is backed, the price will shorten considerably. Market Movers can be pretty profitable.

A market mover is a selection that changes in price significantly in either direction, by increasing in odds (drifting) or decreasing in odds (shortening). It can sometimes be profitable to follow horses that shorten up before the off.

A selection that changes in price significantly either way, by increasing in odds (drifting) or decreasing in odds (steaming).

Match betting

Match betting in horse racing is a popular way to generate income, involving multiple outcomes and typically pursued through in-play betting or by identifying discrepancies in bookmaker odds. As this method offers a guaranteed return, it is extremely popular.

A technique employed by many is to use fixed odds in the exchange market. The method encompasses multiple outcomes, either through in-play betting or by identifying discrepancies in bookmaker odds. By covering various outcomes, such as backing Team X to win and laying Team X to win, returns are guaranteed, regardless of the result.

Monkey

In horse racing, money has various slang terms used for betting; ‘monkey’ is slang for £500. This is a UK phrase, originating with British soldiers stationed in India, as the 500-rupee note features a monkey. It is similar to Cockney rhyming slang.

Slang for £500.

Multiple

A ‘Multiple’ in horse race betting will typically mean a multiple bet where a single stake is placed in two or more selections. The returns from the first selection will be staked on the 2nd selection.

A bet that consists of multiple horses. This is a broad term that can refer to simple accumulators or more complex bets, such as a Lucky 31.

Nap

A ‘NAP’ will mean that the bettor’s horse is a good horse for a payout. The NAP may not always be the Jolly of the race; however, a tipster will use their knowledge to make a decision. If you were to place your bet on the NAP because a tipster has, you should view their experience.

The best bet of the day for a tipster.

National Hunt

Known as jumps racing. One of two racing codes, the other being Flat. National Hunt racing is best known in Britain and Ireland.

Neck

A measurement used to describe a winning margin in a close finish. A short head is the smallest winning margin.

Non-runner

A horse withdrawn from a race for which it had been declared.

Noseband

A strap that goes over a horse’s nose to secure the bridle. They can help prevent the horse from getting its tongue over the bit, which can obstruct its breathing.

Novice

A race for horses who are in their first season in that code of racing. Can have age-specific conditions, particularly on the Flat.

Nursery

A handicap race for two-year-old horses.

Objection

An ‘Objection’ in a horse race will mean that a jockey or contestant will send an appeal just after the race, implying a petition or violation of rules by any others in the race has influenced the outcome of the race. An Objection will usually lead to an investigation.

The contestant’s or owner’s objection to the conduct or result during a race or event, often followed by an investigation/enquiry.

Odds

The odds in horse betting represent the return you can expect to receive if the horse you bet on wins the race. The odds will reflect the amount of money bet on a horse. When a horse has had lots of money invested, the odds will be shorter.

The opportunity to win a selection. Also known as price.

Odds compiler

A bookmaker or betting exchange employs an odds compiler to set the odds for an event, allowing customers to place their bets. They will monitor both customer accounts and operational profitability.

A person who sets the odds offered by a bookmaker for any given race.

Odds-against

Odds-against is the term used to describe any betting market selection that is priced higher than evens. Odds-against prices usually refer to bets that offer the best return.

A price that is bigger than even. Betting odds where the potential winnings are higher than the stake.

Odds-on

Odds-on is the opposite of Odds-against. This refers to any betting market selection that is priced at odds shorter than evens. Usually, when odds-on is called, the horse is a hot favourite!

A price that is shorter than even. Betting odds where the stake is higher than the potential winnings if the bet is successful.

Off the Bit

The terminology ‘Off the bit’ in horse betting refers to a horse when a race caller announces that a horse is not on the part of the field before the home straight. Off the bit is a term used when people are worried that the horse will be galloping freely.

A term used when a horse needs urging on.

Official Ratings

In horse racing, a horse will earn its ‘Official ratings’ when it has won a race or at least placed on three different occasions. The official ratings will be based on the official handicapper’s opinions.

Official Ratings (OR) are one of the numerous statistics added to a race card.

The BHA has a rating system for Flat and National Hunt races that evaluates horses based on their past performances.

The official rating of each horse is shown in racecards as OR, while the weight is also clearly visible.

Official Result

The official result will be when the bets are settled at the time of or after the ‘weigh-in’. If the horses finish in the same position, the official result will need to come into place to determine which horse won exactly.

The result on which bets are settled.

On the Bit

The terminology ‘On the bit’ in horse racing and betting typically refers to a horse’s posture while under the reins and bridle. The horse should be on the bit as it helps the horse to carry itself and gives the rider control.

A horse that performs without encouragement from the jockey.

On the nose

When the term ‘On the nose’ is used in horse racing, it means that the horse has won by around a couple of millimetres. To win by a nose, the run will have to have been very, very close at the finish line.

A turn of phrase used to describe a narrow winning margin, often a photo-finish winner. May or may not have won by a nose.

One Paced

The pace of a horse in racing determines how quickly or slowly a horse is running. When a horse is one-paced, it maintains a single tempo regardless of the race’s speed, which can lead to a loss.

A selection that runs or competes at one pace and cannot produce extra.

Open ditch

A fence with a ditch on the take-off side, forcing the horse to make a longer jump than at a plain wall.

Outlay

Outlay is the punter’s cost for bets.

The total outlay for a £1 win lucky 15 bet is £15, and the outlay is the total sum of the bet wagered.

If sports bettors win a lot of money on a favourite, the horse racing fans would say,”he must have outlaid a lot of cash in bets to win big”.

Outsider

A horse whose chance of winning is considered unlikely by the market.

Overround

Overround in horse racing refers to the sum of the probabilities priced across all outcomes of a single event. This can have a significant influence on horse racing, as all the prices are adding up, making it very popular.

The practice of factoring in a profit margin on the prices offered by a bookmaker.

Pacemaker

A horse that races is intended to ensure the even tempo of the race, thus helping a stablemate who would benefit.

Paddock

The area of a racecourse where horses are paraded before each race is often referred to as the parade ring.

Parade ring

The area of a racecourse where horses are paraded before each race is also referred to as the paddock.

Patent

A ‘Patent’ in horse betting is a compromise of seven bets over three different selections, making it a multi-method bet. This betting effectively covers a variety of potential outcomes and provides a return for even a single successful bet.

A bet consisting of 7 bets involving three selections. Including a single on each selection, plus three doubles and one treble. Just one successful selection guarantees a return.

Permutations

Permutations, in horse racing betting terms, means the placing of multiple bets within one overall bet (commonly known as a combination bet). You would place a series of wagers to cover various selections, leading to you gaining a return either way.

Also known as combination bets. A permutation bet is a wager that involves many selections.

Photo finish

A close race finish, requiring the raceday judge to consult a photo before declaring the winner or a dead-heat. An image can also help determine the placements behind the winner.

Place

A ‘Place’ bet is the style of bet that makes you choose a horse to finish in the placings. Your winnings in a Place bet will be based on where your horse finishes. If your horse finishes in 1st or 2nd place, you will receive a payout; however, this amount is smaller than a win bet.

Backing a horse to finish in the places. The number of places available depends on the number of runners, with two places for a five- to seven-runner race, three places for an eight- to 15-runner race, and four places for handicaps with 16 runners or more. Bookmakers often offer extra place terms.

Pony

The betting terminology of ‘Pony’ will typically mean slang for £25. This term originates from British soldiers stationed in India, where a pony was featured on the 25-rupee note.

A slang term for the cash sum of £25.

Price

‘Price’ in horse betting terms means the same as ‘Odds’, which is the chance of the horse given by the market to win the race. The price can be higher or lower depending on how likely the horse is to be a favourite.

Often referred to as odds. The chance the market has given a horse to win the race.

Pulled up

Being pulled up is when a horse is brought to a halt during a race by its jockey.

Pulling up a horse happens when the horse is down the field or might be injured.

Pulling

A horse that is keen during a race and wants to go faster than its jockey is allowing. Often described as pulling its head.

Punter

A ‘Punter’ is the term used for a person who will bet money on a horse at an event. Punters can also be referred to as gamblers or backers. Many punters attend horse racing events to secure returns.

UK term for a bettor or someone who places a bet.

Purse

The term “purse” in horse racing refers to the prize money awarded for a horse race.

The purse is distributed to the racehorse owners, and percentages of a race’s total purse are awarded to each of the highest finishers.

The first six horses to finish the race usually get a cut of the purse, and the owners distribute the winning prize money with the jockey and trainer.

Pushed out

A term to describe a horse that has gone clear of its rivals in a race after minimal urging from its jockey.

Racecard

A programme giving information about the races scheduled during a race meeting and the horses set to run in them.

Return

A ‘Return’ is known to be the amount of money a punter will gain if the bet they have placed has won. You will also win a return if your horse has placed; however, this will be a fractioned price. A return, in simple terms, is the payout.

The amount of money to be returned to the person who placed a bet if the bet wins.

Round Robin

A Round Robin typically refers to a bet that combines a variety of bets into one. The round-robin bets will consist of singles, doubles and trebles, so it is a coverage bet that will make you only need one successful win to see some return!

A series of three or more selections in 2-fold accumulators. A round robin means three selections in different races, in 3 doubles, one treble and six single stakes about bets.

Rule 4

Rule 4 is a deduction rule used when there are non-runners in the race after the last declarations have been made. Rule 4 will reduce the winnings after a horse has withdrawn from the race, so it is easier for others to place.

One of the most commonly invoked betting rules pertains to deductions from winning bets in the event of a withdrawn runner(s) from a race. The rule applies to winning bets struck at prices (e.g. morning prices) laid before a withdrawal (other than ante-post bets, which are unaffected by Rule 4 (c) and to starting-price bets where, after a late withdrawal, there is insufficient time to re-form the market. The rate of deductions is in proportion to the odds of the non-runner(s) at the time of the withdrawal.

Schooling

A term to describe a horse being trained and getting practice over obstacles.

Score

‘Score’ is a horse racing and betting slang term used by Punters as well as anyone else involved in horse betting. The score is known to be £20. This will be used mainly when punters gain a return from their winnings.

A slang term for £20.

Silks

An owner’s colours.

Sire

Father of a horse.

Sprinter

A horse that competes in races run over a short distance, usually over six furlongs or less.

SP

The ‘SP’ stands for ‘Starting Price’, which will mean the odds of a horse in the on-course odds at the beginning of the race. Bookmakers will offer a choice of either placing a bet at the starting price (SP) or at a fixed price.

Starting Price. The starting prices are the final odds prevailing at the time the race begins and are used to determine the payout to winning punters, unless a punter took a specified price at the time of placing the bet.

Spread Betting

Spread Betting will give you the chance to bet against the ‘spread’. If you think that the outcome will be higher than the price offered, you would buy on the spread. The more correct you are, the more money you can get in return.

Similar to the handicap betting system. If you back a team to cover the spread, it means the team will lose by no more than 5 points or win by more than 6 points.

Check out our list of the best spread betting sites, where the leading bookmakers are Spreadex and Sporting Index.

Stake

The definition of ‘Stake’ in horse racing is the amount of money that you will bet on a horse. The stake race is a prize offered and put up by the owners of the horses entered.

The amount of money you bet on a horse.

Stallion

A male horse used for breeding.

Stalls

The box from which horses begin Flat races.

Starters Rostrum

The horse racing starters’ rostrum is where the starter of the horse race mounts the race starter’s podium.

The BHA starting procedures are:

1. Horses will be girthed up in the girth-up pen
2. When all racehorses are girthed up, the Starter mounts the horse racing starter’s rostrum
3. The horses will enter the course and must walk around at least twenty-five yards back from the tape
4. When the Starter wishes the horses to walk forward, he will raise his flag to signify this to the jockeys
5. The runners and riders shall walk forward and take up a position ready to start the race
6. The starter will drop the flag, and the tape will be raised
7. The crowd will cheer as the horse race starts

Approaching the horse racing starters’ rostrum is most famous in the first race of the Cheltenham Festival (starts the Cheltenham Roar) and the Grand National, where all horses and jockeys are keen to get a great starting position.

Starting price

The ‘Starting Price’ is the available odds on a horse at the beginning of the race. The starting price will be calculated by the officials at the racecourse based on the fixed odds that the bookmakers will decide upon.

The starting price is the horse’s final odds at the start of the race.

If you place a bet and don’t take the specified odds at the time, then your winnings will be determined by the horse’s SP or Starting Price.

Staying on

A phrase frequently used by race commentators or in post-race comments referring to a horse that finished strongly during the closing stages.

Steamer

Within horse racing, a ‘Steamer’ is a horse that gets backed a considerable number of times with shortened odds. A horse could be overpriced, to begin with, or a favourite- this can make the horse a steamer.

A horse that has shortened in the market considerably.

Stewards Inquiry

The Stewards Inquiry is a review that will take place after the race to ensure that the race was run fairly and that there was no rule-breaking or foul play. Usually, Stewards’ Inquiries are seen when horses have interfered with each other.

An investigation held by the steward if the rules of racing are deemed to have been contravened can be in response to an objection.

Superfecta

A superfecta is a horse racing bet where you select four horses from a single racing event and predict in which order they will finish.

The superfecta bet is popular in the USA and Canada on significant events like the Kentucky Derby, and sports betting punters must pick the first four finishers of a race in the correct sequence.

Many racing tips try to predict the superfecta, and sports bettors tend to try their luck when receiving free bets to try this type of horse racing bet.

Stud

An establishment dedicated to the breeding of horses. Stallions are based at studs and are sent to mares to breed with.

Tattersalls

The principal auctioneer of racehorses in Britain and Ireland.

Thoroughbred

The breed of horse is best known for its use in horse racing.

Ton

A ‘Ton’ is a slang term in horse racing and betting for money. The amount of money known as a ‘Ton’ in horse betting is £100. Punters will often use this terminology when they get a return.

Slang term for £100.

Tongue-tie

A strap or piece of stocking used to tie down a horse’s tongue to prevent the tongue from getting over the bit, which affects a horse’s breathing.

Tote

A ‘Tote’ is when you bet from a higher quantity of prize money rather than fixed odds. When you use a tote bet, your bet will be placed, and your stake will go into a pool of funds.

A type of bet frequently placed at a racecourse. You can bet on horses to win or place, and a dividend is paid out to winning bets, as all bets are pooled together. The tote also runs other bets such as the placepot and jackpots.

Triple Crown

To win the Flat Triple Crown in Britain, a horse must win either the 2,000 or 1,000 Guineas, either the Derby or the Oaks, and the St Leger. There is a chasing chaser.

Triple Crown for jumps horses consisting of the Betfair Chase, the King George VI Chase and the Gold Cup.

Trixie

‘Trixie’ in horse race betting is a bet that consists of four bets of equal value on three different selections in separate events. A Trixie is a multiple bet that increases your return because of the doubles and trebles included in your selections.

A bet consisting of 4 bets involving three selections. The bet includes three doubles and a treble. A minimum of two selections must be successful to get a return.

Turn of the foot

A term to describe marked acceleration during a race.

Under starter’s orders

Before a race, the starter brings the field of horses into order to prepare them for the start of the race.

Undulating

A track that does not have flat terrain. Cheltenham is often referred to as an undulating track.

Visor

A type of headgear, much the same as blinkers, which limits a horse’s rearward vision to aid concentration. A visor differs from blinkers as it has a small slit in the eye cups.

Void bet

A Void bet is a bet that is cancelled or has just never been placed at all. You can not win money with a void bet, and you also can not lose any money. If you place a void bet, your stake will be returned in full to your account.

This is a bet which is declared invalid. The stake is returned without deduction.

Weaving

Weaving is when the horse walks in place, alternating steps with his front feet and bobbing his head and neck from side to side.

Weighed In

When ‘weighed in’ is announced through the speakers at a horse race, this means a confirmation of a competing jockey racing at a correct weight. If their mount is disqualified, they will be declared a loser.

The process of weighing a jockey to make sure they are within pre-assigned weight limits for the horse race.

Whip

An instrument used by jockeys to help keep horses under control and to encourage them.

Windsucking

A stressed horse that bites at anything in reach, whilst sucking in air.

Yankee

A ‘Yankee’ is a bet that has 11 different bets with equal value. This particular bet will yield a return when both selections are successful and win. Yankee bets can be placed on the bet slip.

A bet consisting of 11 bets involving four selections in different events. The bet includes four doubles, four trebles and an accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Yard

A term that refers to a trainer and their horses. Also referred to as a stable.

Yearling

A young horse between the ages of one and two.

Walkover

A ‘Walkover’ in horse racing is when a horse wins the race incredibly easily. When a horse simply has to walk over the course without much competition, this will be determined as a walkover.

A horse race involving only one horse and a jockey.

Summary of Horse Betting Terms

UK horse racing betting terminology includes many slang terms, metaphors, and clichés.

The horse racing slang phrases used in the UK are comical for punters to use while betting on horse racing.

Hopefully, the horse racing betting terminology helps you understand “What on earth are these people talking about?”

You should understand the secret language used on the racetracks, and this guide offers you a translation of betting terms you will frequently hear.

Our glossary of horse racing betting terms and terminology helps people across the board understand how punters in England and Britain explain situations.

British horse racing has a lot of betting jargon, and Irish Racing fans also seem to use a lot of the betting glossary terms.