Horse racing has always been one of the most popular sports to bet on in the US. It’s as straight forward as it gets – which horse(s) do you like in the race? Check out our horse racing betting guide for how to wager.
Typical horse races feature 5-11 horses. Some big races, like the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, will have a field up to 20 horses. There are also big meets that feature multiple big races, like the Breeders’ Cup.
How to bet on horse racing
Online betting on horse racing has never been easier as FanDuel Racing is legal is dozens of states.
Types of horse racing bets can be broken down into four categories: Easy, Moderate, Hard and Difficult.
Easier bets to win
- Win: Pick the winner of the race
- Place: The horse you bet on must finish in first or second
- Show: The horse you bet on must finish in first, second or third
Moderate bets to win
- Exacta: Pick the first two finishers in order
- Quinella: Pick the first two finishers in any order
- Double: Pick the winner of two races in a row
Hard bets to win
- Trifecta: Pick the first three finishers in order
- Superfecta: Pick the first four finishers in order
- Pick 3: Pick the winner of three races in a row
Most difficult bets to win
- Pick 4: Pick the winner of four races in a row
- Pick 5: Pick the winner of five races in a row
- Pick 6: Pick the winner of six races in a row
The Triple Crown
There are multiple horse races to wager on most every day throughout the year. Casual horse racing bettors are typically focused on the Big 3 horse races each year, however. The Sport of King’s Triple Crown includes the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Here is a look at when each big race will be running in 2025:
Kentucky Derby 2025 – 151st running
- When: Saturday, May 3
- Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- 2024 winning horse: Mystik Dan
- 2024 winning trainer: Kenny McPeek
- 2024 winning jockey: Brian Hernandez
Preakness Stakes 2025 – 150th running
- When: Saturday, May 17
- Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
- 2024 winning horse: Seize the Grey
- 2024 winning trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
- 2024 winning jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Belmont Stakes 2025 – 157th running
- When: Saturday, June 7
- Where: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York
- 2024 winning horse: Dornoch
- 2024 winning trainer: Danny Gargan
- 2024 winning jockey: Luis Saez
Which Betting Sites Offer the Best Horse Racing Promo Codes?
For horse racing enthusiasts, sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook offer top-notch promo codes tailored to the track. Expect deals like enhanced odds for big races, risk-free bets on your favorite horses, and exclusive bonuses during major events like the Kentucky Derby or Breeders’ Cup. Check their promotions sections to saddle up with the best offers and codes.
Which Betting Sites and Apps Offer the Best Promotions for New Users?
The top betting sites and the best betting apps often provide generous welcome offers for new users, including deposit bonuses, risk-free bets, and enhanced odds. Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are known for their competitive sign-up promotions, making them attractive choices for those just starting out in sports betting. Be sure to compare these offers to find the best value for your initial wagers.