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James Fuller

Horse racing and betting go hand in hand. The sport has long attracted punters who dream of winning big by backing runners and riders from around the world. Horse racing betting sites in Australia are therefore hugely popular. However, just which are the best for wagering on the Melbourne Cup or A J Moir Stakes? When it comes to horse racing betting online, this page delivers nothing but the safest and best bookmakers.

We will also offer horse racing betting tips and explain the most important horse racing betting terms. So, whether you are new to betting on horse racing or are something of an expert, be sure to take on board all information found. We will start by listing our favourite Australian horse racing betting sites.

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Horse racing live streaming

07/05/21

Horse racing live streaming

  • Live greyhound streaming
  • Virtual greyhound betting
  • Regular specials
9.6
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Dedicated horse racing page

07/05/21

Dedicated horse racing page

  • Fast payments via PayPal
  • Live streaming
  • Dedicated mobile betting app
9.5
4.5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Daily Horse Racing Promotions

09/06/21

Daily Horse Racing Promotions

  • Dedicated horse racing betting page
  • Regularly offers best odds on horse racing
  • Meetings from AU and rest of the world covered
9.6
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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New horse racing markets every few minutes

09/06/21

New horse racing markets every few minutes

  • Live streaming available
  • Competitive odds
  • Large number of daily horse racing markets
9.5
4.5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Filter form feature

19/05/23

Filter form feature

  • Ownership has plenty of pedigree
  • Low minimum deposit
  • Attractive, modern website
9.1
4.5 Stars
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Racing multi builder

09/06/21

Racing multi builder

  • Attractive horse racing odds
  • Fast payouts
  • Ante post markets available
9.4
4.5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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How We Rank the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

With so many horse racing betting sites competing for the attention of punters today, deciding which to sign up on is difficult. However, punters can rest assured that our recommended bookies are nothing but secure. On top of this, they also come with a host of additional benefits. In terms of how we rank online horse racing betting brands, the following factors are considered:

  • Safety

Before recommending any betting site, we ensure that bookies are completely secure. This means holding a license to operate in Australia (Northern Territory Racing Commission). On top of this, a host of safety measures will also be in place.

  • Markets

Horse races from across the globe are available to bet on online today. Including race meetings from Australia, the UK, US and various other countries, pre-race and futures markets should be found. For leading races, odds are often introduced months in advance, allowing punters the chance to place ante-post wagers.

  • Odds

Horse racing betting sites are made more appealing when competitive odds are found. Prices are based on form, weight and the going, with the umber of runners also having an impact. Whatever the race type, odds should make placing bets attractive.

  • Promotions

Welcome bonuses are no longer available to punters in Australia. However, ongoing promotions are still found. Many such promotions are specific to horse racing. These include price boosts, best odds guaranteed and faller/2nd place insurance. Such offers can help bettors in maximising winnings and minimising losses.

  • Features

Online horse racing betting is preferred today largely because of the features available to punters. Live streaming, cash out and bet builders are among the most in-demand features. Such features are generally available on both desktop and mobile.

  • Mobile

Speaking of mobile, it should be simple for punters to back their favourite runners and riders on their smartphone or tablet. Many bookies have developed and introduced dedicated betting apps, available on iOS and Android devices. For those that haven’t, sportsbook sites work well on mobile browsers.

  • Support

For when it is needed, support is available to customers day and night. Over the phone, via email or through live chat features, agents should help deal with issues and answer questions in an efficient manner.

The Best Horse Racing Betting Markets

While horse racing betting online doesn’t come with as many options as other sports, such as Aussie Rules or soccer punters can still take advantage of different markets. The number will likely depend on the profile of the race, however the following are the most common:

Win

This simply involves betting on which horse will win a specific race. All runners are given a price before the start of the race. This can fluctuate right up until just before it gets underway. However, only those successfully backing a winner will earn winnings.

Each Way

In order to give yourself a little breathing space, punters can place an each way bet on a particular horse. This means that half of your stake will go on the horse winning the race, with the other going on it placing. Placing means finishing in the top positions, generally anywhere up to 4th.

Head to Head

Offered by certain bookies, this bet type involves wagering on which out of two horses will come out on top. It does not matter what position, as long as they finish above the other. For example, the two favourites at Doomben or Sandown Racecourse.

Distance

Some horse racing betting sites also offer punters the chance to bet on the winning distance. For example, by over 10 lengths. Particularly useful when there is an overwhelming favourite, this market can be used to increase the potential earnings.

Ante Post

When it comes to high profile races, odds will often be introduced online months in advance. In some cases, bets can be placed as much as 12 months in advance. For example, betting on the winner of the Grand National from Aintree. Also known as “Futures”, this method of betting can often bring about greater winnings.

Specials

A less traditional form of horse racing betting, this can be anything from staking on the most successful trainers or the leading jockey at a particular meeting.

Best Horse Racing Odds

As we already mentioned, the odds available can often be the difference between horse racing betting sites. Odds are determined by a number of factors, however some bookies are more generous than others. Meanwhile, prices will often change right up until race day. This can be because of injuries, weather, form and track surface. So, deciding when to place bets can also be important. Some horse racing betting sites offer best odds guaranteed. This promotion means that punters will be paid out at the best possible price, no matter when bets were placed. When it comes to the odds found at Australian horse racing betting platforms, the following bookies stand out from the crowd:

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Competitive horse racing odds across the board

10/05/21

Competitive horse racing odds across the board

  • Weekly cricket promos
  • Good selection of payment options
  • Same-race multiples are easy to place
9.7
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Best tote or SP dividends on AU races

09/06/21

Best tote or SP dividends on AU races

  • Useful mobile features
  • Strong horse racing section
  • Powerful partnership with Ladbrokes
9.7
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained

As with any sport, there are some terms that are specific to horse racing. Especially important for beginners, punters who understand such terminology will put themselves in a strong position. So, the following are some of the words and phrases in which you are likely to come across at horse racing betting sites:

  • All-Weather – Not so common in Australia, however in countries where the weather is less favourable, all-weather courses are used. This synthetic surface means that races can take place in almost all conditions.
  • Blinkers – A form of headgear that means that horses are unable to view left or right. Those involved in races can therefore only see directly in front of them.
  • Classic – This is the name given to a series of flat races that are competed in during the season. The 200 Guineas and Epsom Derby are two prime examples.
  • Handicap – In such races, weights are used to provide runners with an equal chance of coming out on top.
  • Fillies – A female horse that is too young to be named a mare.
  • Form – The current condition in which a runner enters a race in.
  • Furlong – 1 furlong is the same as ⅛ of a mile. Races take place over a series of furlongs.
  • Juvenile – The name given to a two-year-old horse.
  • Mare – The name given to a female horse aged 5 or over.
  • Non Runner – An entrant that is withdrawn just before a race. Withdrawals can take place for a number of reasons, with some bookies offering non runner insurance promotions.
  • Quaddie – This sports bet involves selecting the four winners in four consecutive horse races.
  • Quinella – Predicting the 1st and 2nd place finishers in the race, not necessarily in the correct order.
  • Trifecta – This bet type involves successfully predicting the top three finishers, in the correct order.
  • Under Wraps – The action of a jockey purposely holding a horse back from running at full tilt

Online vs. Offline Horse Racing Betting

Many still enjoy wagering on horse races with their local high street bookie. However, horse racing betting sites are generally the preferred option for punters today. Australian online bookmakers make it easy and convenient for bets to be placed, while also delivering a host of additional benefits. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the main pros and cons of betting online:

Pros:

  • Convenience – There is no doubt about it. Horse racing betting sites make wagering on the sport hugely simple. Whether you have to load up your laptop or simply pick up your smartphone, bets can be placed in seconds.
  • Promotions – One of the major advantages of placing bets online is the promotions available. Whether it be best odds guaranteed, faller insurance or extra places, offers can significantly enhance your chances of maximising profits and minimising losses.
  • Cash Out – Have you placed a horse racing accumulator over the weekend and are waiting for just one pick to come through? If you don’t have the nerve, the cash out feature can help you claim your winnings early.
  • Live Streaming – A huge number of races are available to watch at Australian sports betting sites today too. Watching the action is hugely exciting, with many streams being accompanied by commentary.
  • Winnings – Rather than having to go out and visit your local bookie to collect winnings, punters can get their hands on profits quickly online instead

Cons:

  • Responsible Gaming – For punters that struggle to gamble responsibly, online betting sites have the potential to make things difficult. However, our recommended bookies all work hard to ensure that this does not become an issue. Each works with leading organisations in this field. Meanwhile, many also allow punters to set deposit limits. (For gambling help check out www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or gamblinghelponline.org.au)

Most Popular Horse Racing Events to Bet on in AU

The Australian horse racing calendar is packed full of high profile meetings. However, there are certainly some races that stand out. It is the following which general attract the greatest amount of interest from betting customers:

The Everest

This thoroughbred race takes place over 1,200 metres at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. Despite having only been held for the first time in 2017, it has already attracted major interest from fans and punters alike. With a prize pool of $13 million, it is not difficult to see why.

The Golden Eagle

Ran over 1,500 metres at Rosehill, the Golden Eagle was only founded in 2019. With a prize pool of $7.5 million, it is one of the most lucrative in the Australian racing calendar. Open to four-year-olds, 10% of the prize money is donated to charity.

W.S. Cox Plate

The prestigious W.S. Cox Plate was first staged in 1922. The Group 1 thoroughbred race is held at Moonee Valley Racing Club over 2040 metres. A prize pool of $5 million is up for grabs, with the biggest trainers and jockeys hoping to win. Taking place annually in late October, the race is open to just 14 runners.

Caulfield Cup

Dating back to 1879, the Caulfield Cup is a Melbourne Racing Club Group 1 thoroughbred race which is now open to all horses aged 3 and over. Worth over $5 million in prize money, the race is known as the leading handicap meeting in the world over a distance of 2.4km. The race is now open to international entrants, having previously only been for Australian and New Zealand runners.

Melbourne Cup

Often referred to as “the race that stops the nation”, the Melbourne Cup is held at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November. Ran over 3,200 metres, the race is the richest two-mile handicap in the world. The total purse totals $8 million.

Horse Racing Live Streaming

Nothing beats watching horse races live. The excitement of seeing your pick come from behind to win or the favourite falling at the first hurdle is unrivalled. This is why horse racing betting sites offering live streaming already hold an advantage over others. A small bet or funded account balance are needed in order to gain access to streams. Meetings from around the world are available to watch on both desktop and mobile. Many streams are accompanied by commentary too, adding to the user experience for bettors. However, some bookies will only be licensed to show races from certain states, whether it be Victoria or Canterbury in NSW. For those looking for this feature, the following are the best horse racing betting sites offering live streaming:

5 Ultimate Horse Racing Betting Tips

In order to give yourself the best possible chance of beating the bookies, be sure to take into account a number of factors before wagering. Our experts have put forward the following horse racing betting tips:

  1. Horse racing betting system – There is no system that is guaranteed to win you bets. Your system should involve a series of steps, which must be taken before placing any bet, no matter how big or small.
  2. Do your homework – Before wagering on a horse race, be sure to thoroughly research those involved. The runners will likely have form to consider. Meanwhile, age and weight can have an impact upon results too. If a horse has won its last three races at a particular course, it may well be worthwhile betting on it winning again.
  3. Odds – Be sure to shop around. There is nothing stopping you from signing up at more than one horse racing betting site. Registering with a few will ensure that you can take advantage of the best odds available.
  4. Budget – No matter how appealing a market appears, always stick to your budget! This should be a small proportion of your disposable income. You can help yourself by setting up a deposit limit.
  5. Jockeys – Jockeys are often overlooked when betting on horse racing. However, they play a crucial role, with the leading jockeys picking up regular wins for a reason. So, look at who the riders are, as well as runners.

Bottom Line on Horse Racing Betting

Horse racing has long been a leading betting sport in Australia. It is not just domestic meetings that are wagered upon today however. Races from around the world are available to bet on. Our recommended horse racing betting sites all cover a large number of races, as well as delivering appealing odds and useful features. So, be sure to check them out today, before selecting your favourites. As always, our top ranked bookies are completely safe and licensed.

Horse racing live streaming

07/05/21

Horse racing live streaming

  • Live greyhound streaming
  • Virtual greyhound betting
  • Regular specials
9.6
5 Stars
NO CODE REQUIRED
Play Now
0
T&Cs apply

FAQs

Is online horse racing betting legal?

Yes. However, it must be carried out with a licensed and regulated bookmaker. Each of our recommended betting sites is legal in Australia.

What are the most popular Australian horse racing betting markets?

When it comes to horse racing betting, win and each way bets are the most popular. Additional markets are taken advantage of from time to time also. Meanwhile, races including the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup attract huge interest from punters.

Where can I find the best free horse racing tips?

A host of online platforms today offer horse racing tips. However, it is only worth taking advantage of those which are written by those with excellent knowledge of the sport. This could include pundits and journalists.

Can I watch the action live when betting on horse racing?

Yes. Not all horse racing betting sites offer live streaming, however many do. This means that those registered can watch the action as it unfolds. A qualifying bet or funded account is generally needed in order to gain access to live streams.

How can I develop a horse racing betting system?

Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to how to bet on horse racing. However, when developing your system, come up with a budget, before doing your research on runners and riders. A huge amount of information is available today. There really is no excuse to not look at form, age, weight and going.

James Fuller

James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University. He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.