Horse Racing Betting & Odds

Horse Racing betting at Parimatch. Horse Racing is a fine British tradition and is the second most attended sport in the UK today. And while nothing beats a day out at the races, tuning into the action and betting at Parimatch comes a close second.  

At Parimatch, you can bet on all major British horse races, alongside major festivals in Europe, the United States, Australia, and the Middle East.  

The racing calendar is filled with high-quality races, both over jumps and on the flat. With Parimatch, you can bet on the Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the St Leger, and the Epsom Derby.  

And we offer horse racing odds from around the world, from the Kentucky Derby in the USA to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Get a taste of what’s ahead and bet on horse racing today at Parimatch.  

Here’s an overview of the major British horse racing events you can bet on in 2026:  

Cheltenham 2026

The Cheltenham Festival is scheduled for 10-13 March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse. The prestigious Gold Cup crowns the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Grand National 2026  

The Grand National will take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026, as the main event of the festival at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, which begins on Thursday, 9 April.  

Guineas Festival 2026  

Newmarket Racecourse plays host to the Guineas Festival, scheduled from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May 2026. The main attractions are the 2000 Guineas and the 1000 Guineas.  

Derby Festival 2026  

Epsom Downs Racecourse plays host to the Derby Festival from June 5-6, 2026. The festival kicks off with Ladies Day, featuring the Oaks, followed by the Epsom Derby. 

July Festival 2026  

The main summer festival at Newmarket runs from July 9 until July 11 2026. Race days include Ladies Day, Festival Friday, and July Cup Day. 

Outside of the UK, you can also bet on these horse racing events at Parimatch:  

United States of America  

• Saturday, May 2, 2026: The Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs 
• Saturday, May 16, 2026: The Preakness Stakes, Pimlico Racecourse  
• Saturday, June 6, 2026: The Belmont Stakes, Belmont Park  

Europe  

• Saturday, January 31, 2026: Dublin Racing Festival  
• 3-4 October, 2026: Qatar Prix L’Arc de Triomphe, Paris  
• Monday, April 6, 2026: The Irish Grand National, Fairyhouse  

Asia & Australia  

• March 28, 2026: The Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse  
• November 3, 2026: The Melbourne Cup, Australia  
• November 29, 2026: The Japan Cup  
   

As well as these major races, you can bet on Goodwood, Newmarket and the Cheltenham November Meeting. If you can’t wait for some of the big events in 2025, take an early peek at our Grand National 2026 odds and Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting markets.

Having a flutter is part and parcel of a day at the races, but if it's your first time betting on horse racing online, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your account or sign up. 
2. Choose the race and the horse you want to bet on.
3. Enter the amount you want to wager (always bet an amount you're comfortable with).
4. Watch the race play out with our live streaming service.
5. If your horse wins, you'll see the funds deposited in your account.

We offer a complete selection of horse racing betting markets. The outright market is always popular, as it enables you to choose the horse you think will win the race. You can also back selections each-way, bet on a horse to place or even predict exact finishes with forecasts and tricasts.

Some horses are more likely to win than others, and this is indicated by a horse's past performance, breeding, age, and connections. Informing yourself before you place your bet is a smart way to bet. 

Examining trends and patterns from previous winners can also be helpful. For example, the average age of a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is eight, which is helpful to know when picking your winner. 

Not only that, but certain smaller races serve as a trial for the bigger ones. For instance, the Winter Derby at Lingfield in February can help spot rising stars for the Cheltenham Festival or for the Grand National.  

The 2022 winner of the Winter Derby, Alenquer, went on to win the Tattersalls Gold Cup - a Grade 1 race in Ireland. 

Once again, you can form a betting strategy of your own, but this is not a way of guaranteeing wins. The outcomes of horse races are unpredictable, with horses themselves being unpredictable creatures. 

Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, with millions of people placing bets on it daily. The popularity of horse racing betting continues to increase, especially now that bets can be placed in seconds from smartphones. The variety of horse races, including flat racing and jump racing (National Hunt Racing), contributes to its popularity. Major events like the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Irish Derby, Epsom Derby, and the Melbourne Cup are highlights in the UK and beyond. Famous racecourses like Ffos Las and Happy Valley also add to the sport's global appeal. 

You can tune in and watch horse racing live on television and via sports betting sites and apps, which are part of the service at Parimatch. Traditional bets such as win bets are available, but you can now bet in play once a race has begun, with odds being adjusted throughout. It's a popular way to bet. 

Horse racing, like most sports, can produce shock results, which is worth remembering when placing bets. However, there is a wealth of information available to help inform your bets. Key factors to consider include the horse's form, performance at specific tracks, and over particular distances. Using race cards can help analyse this information. 

Choosing the right type of bet is important. Whether opting for a single bet, an each-way bet, or more complex multiple bets like Lucky 15s, informed decisions can enhance your betting experience. Additionally, taking advantage of promotions and extra place races offered by bookmakers can prove beneficial. 

For major races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Epsom Derby, and Irish Derby, researching the top horses and best horses can give you an edge. Pay attention to Group 1 races and Irish horse racing events, as these often feature high-quality competitors. 

Our Range of Horse Racing Betting Markets Includes: 

• To win the race: Place a bet on the horse you think will win the race.  
• Each way: Place two different bets and receive a payout if your horse finishes in one of the top places.  
• Forecast: Bet on two horses and bet on where they'll place.  
• Tricast: Bet on the horses that you think will place in the top three.  
• Multiples: Combine different bets for a bigger payout.  
• Lengthen the odds: Bet on how many lengths you think the winning horse will make (you will sometimes find a bet boost in this market on offer).  
• Betting Without Favourite: Bet on a horse to win without considering the favourite.  

If you're a new customer at our sports betting website, we have fantastic sports welcome offers that can be used for horse racing. You can select one of our offers and get free bets in return after depositing a specified amount. These free bets can be used on various horse racing markets, including events like Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival. 

There are also offers for existing members, such as Parimatch refunding bets as cash if a horse loses all chance of winning at the start of the race. Regular promotions tied to horse racing provide opportunities for you to take advantage of. For safer betting, always use Safer Gambling tools to stay in control. 

Free Bet Calculator

If you want to calculate your potential returns from your horse racing bets you can use our free horse racing calculator, to see how much you could win if your bet is successful and settled as a winner.