Horse racing has been popular throughout the centuries ever since the chariot races of the Romans. A testimony to the popularity of horse racing can be found in Norse mythology in the contests between the steeds of the giant Hrungnir and the god Odin. Gambling has always been closely linked to horse racing and betting on horses is extremely well-liked all over the globe.
In the United States the most common forms of racing are thoroughbred racing, quarter horse racing and harness racing. American thoroughbred races are run at distances ranging from 5 furlongs to 1½ miles.
Traditionally the high point of US racing has been the Kentucky derby which along side the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes form the Triple Crown for three-years-old. Recently the Breeders Cup, held at the end of the year, is gaining significance and challenges the Triple Crown as to which event is to determine the annual champion.
Betting on horse racing in America is regulated by each state and usually legal.
Different ways to bet on horses
Win
The simplest bet you can make. If your selection wins the race you can collect.
Place
If you make a place bet you back the horse to finish first, second, third or fourth. A race must have at least five runners for you to be able to place this kind of bet and in some cases if the race has few runners only first and second place count.
Each Way
This is a combined bet where you back the horse both in place and win. Thus, if the horse wins you win twice.
Double
A combined bet that can apply to either win or each way. Basically, you bet that two horses in two different races will finish as winner or come in each way. If the bet comes in you multiply the odds for the two bets and if one selection fails the whole double will be lost.
Treble
The same as a double only three selections are made.
Accumulator
Four horses are backed to either win or come in each way.
Straight Forecast
This is a form of double where you pick which horse will win and which will finish second. Both horses must finish as selected for the straight forecast to come in.
Reverse Forecast
Same as a straight forecast only it doesn’t matter in what order the horses finish as long as they are placed first and second.
Patent
A patent covers three horses in three different races. It has seven bets in all, three singles, three doubles and a treble.
Trixie
A trixie consists of 3 doubles and 1 treble in 3 different events. Two of your selections must win for the trixie to leave a return.
Yankee
A yankee is a step up from the trixie and consists of 6 doubles, 4 trebles and 1 accumulator involving 4 selections from different events. Two of your selections must win for the Yankee to leave a return.
Super Yankee
Next comes the yankees big brother, the super yankee. A combination bet consisting of 26 bets with 5 selections in different events. The combination bet is made up of 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five 4-folds and one 5-fold.
Heinz
The Heinz is a step up. A multiple bet consisting of 57 bets involving 6 selections in different events. The multiple bet breakdown is 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15x4-folds, 6x5-folds and one 6-fold.
Goliath
A Goliath consists of 247 bets involving 8 selections in different events. The bet includes 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 fourfolds, 56 fivefolds, 28 sixfolds, 8 sevenfolds and an accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.
Jackpot
Pick six winners in six races to share in a Jackpot prize. The rules and prizes will vary from race track to race track.
Placepot
A bet made on the first six races of a meeting, selecting the horses to win or be placed in those races. Returns are based on the tote returns.