How-to guides
Step-by-step guides to placing the bets racing fans ask about most. For the numbers behind any bet, use the bet calculator or the each way calculator.
How To Read Horse Racing FormHow to read horse racing form: what the form figures and letters mean, how to read a racecard line by line, the ratings, headgear codes and a checklist.1 October 2026
Placepot Explained: How the Tote Placepot WorksPlacepot explained: how the Tote Placepot works, the place terms, the non-runner rule, what a perm costs and how to work out your return from the dividend.1 October 2026
Tote Jackpot Explained: How the Jackpot Bet WorksTote Jackpot explained: pick six winners from one pool, the non-runner and abandoned-leg rules, the 29% deduction, carry-forwards and what a Jackpot perm costs.1 October 2026
What Does SP Mean in Horse Racing?What does SP mean in horse racing? The starting price explained: how the SP is returned, SP vs taking a price, Rule 4, Betfair SP and best odds guaranteed.1 October 2026
What Is an Each Way Bet?What is an each way bet? How the win and place halves work, UK place terms, extra places, each way doubles, Rule 4 and dead heats, with worked examples.1 October 2026
What Is Lay Betting?What is lay betting? How backing and laying work on a betting exchange, how to work out liability and commission, and the real risks of laying horses to lose.1 October 2026
How To Bet A TrifectaHow to bet a trifecta: what it is, how much a $1 or $2 trifecta costs, how boxes and keys work, how trifecta payouts are worked out, and how to pick one.20 May 2023
How To Bet On The Grand NationalHow to bet on the Grand National at Aintree: online, by app, by phone or in cash, whether to bet each way, extra places, minimum stakes and recent winners.20 May 2023
How To Bet On The PreaknessHow to bet on the Preakness Stakes: where and when it's run, how to place a wager, win, place, show and exotic bets, and how pari-mutuel odds and payouts work.20 May 2023