Horse Racing

Here at betFIRST, horse racing stands tall among the most exhilarating sports to place your bets on. Across Europe, the thrill of horse racing captivates fans and bettors alike, making it one of the most widely celebrated gambling spectacles on the continent. We take great pride in providing our customers with access to the finest horse racing online bets imaginable, ensuring that whether it's midweek meetings or grand events, betFIRST remains the top destination for securing the most favorable horse racing odds!

The Origins of Horse Racing

Horse racing boasts a rich and fascinating history that can be traced back to the 12th century, a time when English knights returned from their valiant battles riding swift and powerful Arabian horses. Over the next 400 years, a significant influx of Arabian stallions made their way to the UK, carefully selected for breeding to produce horses that excelled in two essential characteristics for racing—speed and stamina. This passion for racing can be linked all the way back to ancient civilizations, as evidence from thousands of years ago suggests that horse racing was an exhilarating pursuit in ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, Babylon, and Syria.

In ancient Rome, the spring carnival emerged as an iconic festivity ranging from the 1450s until 1882, culminating every year in a spectacular horse race that captivated the masses. Imagine fifteen to twenty horses, free of jockeys, galloping down one of Rome's famed straight streets, with the exhilarating race lasting only two to three heart-pounding minutes!

Alongside horse racing, chariot racing had its own allure in both Roman and ancient Greek societies, establishing itself as a key feature of the ancient Greek Olympics, despite its reputation as a perilous contest for both horse and driver.

Horse Racing in the Modern Day

Fast forward to present-day UK, where horse racing has evolved, and five Classics punctuate the esteemed Flat Horse Racing season. These prestigious races—the St Leger, Derby, Oaks, 1000 Guineas, and 2000 Guineas—draw in enthusiasts and experts alike. Notably, the St Leger, which began in 1776, holds the title of the oldest, while the Derby first took place in 1780.

When it comes to memorable races in Britain, events like the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Ascot Gold Cup, Eclipse Stakes, King George VI Stakes, Champions Hurdle, and Champion Chase steal the spotlight. However, the most illustrious race of them all is the Grand National, held annually at Aintree in Liverpool every April. This grueling test of equine endurance stretches over four and a half miles and features thirty daunting fences. It’s a true test of mettle for both horse and rider!

Across the European racing landscape, the Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe reigns supreme. Hosted at Longchamp in Paris on the first Sunday in October, this prestigious event showcases the best middle-distance flat horses from around the globe competing for glory over a mile and a half.

Let’s not overlook the other side of the Atlantic! The Breeders Cup, held every November, spans two days and brings together the finest horses from both Europe and the USA. Furthermore, the celebrated American Triple Crown—comprising the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes—remains a coveted milestone in horse racing, with only thirteen horses having achieved this remarkable feat throughout history!

Among the elite in the jockeying world, Frankie Dettori, Joel Rosario, Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire, John Velazquez, and William Buick shine brightly on the Flat racing stage. Over the jumps, you’ll find leading talents such as Harry Skelton, Paul Townend, Rachael Blackmore, Bryan Hughes, and Sam Twiston-Davies continually thrilling fans with their skill and tenacity.

Horse Racing Betting

Betting on horse racing is not only immensely enjoyable but also remarkably straightforward when you navigate through our exceptional betFIRST platform. There are endless ways to engage with horse racing betting. The simplest method is to pick a winner and choose a stake that suits your preferences. But beyond that, betFIRST offers an array of exciting opportunities to maximize your winning potential!

For instance, you might consider backing a horse each-way. This strategy allows you to benefit if your chosen horse finishes in the top four or five competitors, depending on the number of runners, giving you a chance to earn payouts even if your horse doesn't win outright!

Think bigger with doubles or trebles! A double means you’re betting on two horses to win, while a treble ups the ante with three. A small stake can yield substantial returns, though it’s crucial to remember that if any horse does not succeed, the entire bet is deemed unsuccessful.

Tricasts and forecasts are also immensely popular among betFIRST bettors. A tricasts bet requires you to predict the exact order of the first, second, and third finishers in a race—no small feat! Meanwhile, forecasts simplify the challenge by allowing you to pick just the first two horses to finish in the correct order, providing a multitude of dynamic betting options. So, how does that sound? Discovering the thrill of horse racing is made incredibly easy and accessible at betFIRST!