Racing has its own language and its own rules, and they matter to your bet. This guide explains the essentials for Irish punters and points to the major festivals. It is a guide to how betting works, not a tipping service.
Key racing terms
- Going: the state of the ground, from heavy to firm. It can change how a horse performs.
- Starting price (SP): the odds at the off. You can take an early price or the SP.
- Best odds guaranteed (BOG): offered by some bookmakers on some races. If the SP is bigger than the price you took, you are paid at the SP. Conditions apply, so check each bookmaker’s terms.
- Non-runner: a horse that is withdrawn. Rules on stakes and price reductions vary by bet type.
- Rule 4: a deduction from winnings when a horse is withdrawn late, reflecting the change in the odds of the remaining runners.
Each-way betting
An each-way bet is two equal bets, one to win and one to place. The place part is paid at a fraction of the odds, often a quarter or a fifth, if the horse finishes in the places. The number of places depends on the field size and race type, and bookmakers often offer extra places on big races. A €5 each-way bet costs €10 in total.
The festivals Irish punters follow
- Cheltenham Festival: March.
- Grand National: April.
- Punchestown Festival: spring.
- Galway Festival: summer.
We will publish dedicated festival guides ahead of each one.
What to check before you bet
- Going and how the horse has run on it before.
- Distance, course and recent form.
- Trainer and jockey, and whether the horse is stepping up or down in class.
- Each-way terms and any extra places offered.
- The bookmaker’s non-runner and BOG rules.
Keep it in perspective
Racing markets can be unpredictable and favourites lose often. Set a budget for the day and stick to it.
Ready to compare bookmakers? See our betting sites in Ireland, check how to confirm a bookmaker is licensed, or use the bet calculator. Set a limit before you bet: our responsible gambling page explains how.
18+. Please play responsibly, gambleaware.org. Tips and guides are opinion, not guarantees.
