Horse Racing Glossary

A single bet that combines four or more selections. All selections must win for the bet to pay out. The odds multiply together, creating the potential for large returns from a small stake, though the risk increases with each added selection.

A bet placed in advance of the day of the race, often weeks or months before the event. Ante-post odds are typically more generous because you take on the additional risk that your selection may not run. Most ante-post bets are non-refundable if the horse is withdrawn.

A promotion offered by many bookmakers where, if you take a price on a horse and the Starting Price (SP) is higher, you'll be paid out at the better odds. This only applies to bets placed on the day of the race, not ante-post wagers.

A bet on two selections in different events. Both must win for the bet to be successful. The winnings from the first selection are automatically reinvested on the second, meaning returns can be significantly higher than two single bets.

A bet consisting of two equal parts: a win bet and a place bet. If the horse wins, both parts pay out. If the horse places (finishes in the designated places), only the place part pays. The place terms vary depending on the number of runners and the type of race.

A horse's recent racing history, typically shown as a sequence of finishing positions. Form is the most studied factor in horse racing betting. A horse showing '112' has won its last race, finished second in the one before, and won the race before that (read right to left).

The condition of the ground on which a race is run. In the UK, going ranges from 'Firm' (hard, dry ground) through 'Good' and 'Soft' to 'Heavy' (very wet, testing ground). Some horses perform significantly better on certain types of going.

A race in which horses carry different weights, allocated by the official handicapper based on their assessed ability. The aim is to give every horse a theoretically equal chance of winning. Better horses carry more weight to level the playing field.

The code of racing that includes hurdles and steeplechases — races where horses jump over obstacles. Also known as 'jump racing'. The National Hunt season traditionally runs from October to April, though there are summer jumping fixtures too.

A tipster's most confident selection of the day. The term comes from the card game Napoleon. When a racing journalist or tipster gives their 'nap', it's the horse they believe has the best chance of winning that day.

A bet on a horse finishing in one of the designated places in a race, rather than necessarily winning. The number of places varies: typically 1st-2nd in races with 5-7 runners, 1st-3rd in races with 8-15 runners, and 1st-4th in handicaps with 16+ runners.

The official odds of a horse at the moment the race begins, as determined by on-course bookmakers. If you don't take a fixed price, your bet will be settled at SP. The Starting Price is the benchmark against which all other prices are measured.

A jump race in which horses navigate larger, more testing fences than in hurdle races. Steeplechases include famous obstacles like open ditches and water jumps. The Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National are the most famous steeplechases.

A bet on three selections in different events. All three must win for the bet to pay out. Like a double, the returns from each selection roll onto the next, creating potentially large returns from a modest stake.

A combination bet consisting of four bets on three selections: three doubles and one treble. At least two selections must win for any return. It offers protection compared to a treble as you can still profit if only two of three selections win.