Whether you’re placing a bet at Cheltenham, Kempton or Aintree, the National Hunt Season is full of top-class racing. Not only do we have the main meetings at Bet UK, we also have daily horse racing betting from across the UK and Ireland, so you’ll never miss a hurdle or chase race.

Normally National Hunt racing does run throughout the entire UK horse racing calendar. However, the main events happen between October and April, where the biggest horses in jumps racing will feature in Grade 1 handicaps.

Before placing a bet on any National Hunt Horse racing at Bet UK, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of National Hunt Racing. So, whether you’re looking for a win, place or each way, we’ve got you covered.

In our National Hunt Guide, we’ll talk you through all of the betting options and give you some insight into how to select a horse that can handle the distance and going conditions.

National Hunt Bets at Bet UK?

Win Bet in the National Hunt

A simple bet; it basically means you’re betting on a horse to finish in first place.

Place Bet in the National Hunt

As well as betting on a horse to win a race, punters can place a bet on a horse to finish either second or third in a race.

Each way Bet in the National Hunt

This option provides punters with two separate bets - one to win and one to place. Normally the place part of the bet is settled on the first three horses to finish; however, this can vary depending on the number of horses in the race and whether the race is a handicap.

Non-Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners pay on the first and second with a ¼ of the odds 8 or more runners will pay out on first, second and third with a ⅕ of the odds

Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners will pay on the first and second and offer ¼ of the odds 8-11 Runners on the first, second or third places with a ¼ of the odds 12-15 Runners on first, second and third with a ¼ of the odds 16+ Runners pays on the first four to pass the post with a ¼ of the odds

Forecast Betting

If you want to pick more than one horse in a race, then a forecast could be the best option for you. Within this bet, you will select a horse who will finish in first and second place, and the bet will only pay out if that scenario occurs.

Tricast

This bet is similar to a forecast but involves three horses, and the bettor must select them to finish correctly in first, second and third for the bet to pay out.

What races will horses feature in during the National Hunt Season?

Bumpers are National Hunt flat races that feature zero obstacles. Normally for younger horses who have no experience over hurdles or fences, they will make their debuts in these races in preparation for the next season.

Hurdles are the smallest of the National Hunt obstacles. These are where horses will progress to after bumper races.

Chase fences are the larger obstacles in National Hunt racing. These steeplechase fences require more skill to jump than hurdles, and horses can often fall if they misjudge the size of the fence.

What are novice National Hunt races?

These types of races are specifically for horses who are new to the National Hunt Racing. Common over hurdles and chase fences, multiple races can be seen throughout the season.

What are Handicap races?

Like those seen in the flat season, handicap races are the most common in National Hunt Racing. Each horse in these races will carry different weights depending on its most recent performances.

What are Conditions races?

Unlike handicaps, every horse involved in a conditions race will carry the same weight regardless of their form.

What are the Different Grades of Races Used in National Hunt Racing?

Like other UK horse racing, many of the races across the National Hunt Season will have classifications ranging from Grade 1, which are the biggest races on the calendar, to Grade 2, Grade 3, down to listed races, handicaps and then bumpers. Races will also be given a class of 1-7, with Grade 1-3 contests falling under class 1.

What are the key National Hunt Racing Days

Throughout the National Hunt Season, there are key meetings on which punters will potentially place bets. These are the:

Betfair Chase King George VI Chase at Kempton Cheltenham Festival, which features the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup Aintree Festival, which includes the Grand National

What are the most common types of going in National Hunt Racing?

Due to main National Hunt races happening in the winter months, the going conditions for the races are Good to Soft (good ground holding water), Soft (common in the jumps season, the ground holds more moisture) and Heavy (very wet and can be difficult to run on). In Ireland, Yielding is the equivalent of good to soft.

National Hunt Horses to Watch in 2022/23

Honeysuckle

Given her form since 2020 season, it's hard to ignore Honeysuckle. The winner of Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and the Punchestown Champions Hurdle, she looks set to keep her unbeaten run intact this season. We expect to see her in Ireland at some point in November, so keep your eyes on the racecards.

Famoso

A half brother to Tornado Flyer and with bloodlines to Hurricane Fly, it’s hard to ignore the pedigree of Famoso. Trained by Paul Nicholls, it looks as though he’ll go out over distances of just over 2 miles and given the fact he’s had an extra year to mature, we think he’ll soon go beyond his 111 rating.

Exelerator Express

Trained by Bet UK ambassador Neil Mulholland Exelerator Express was victorious in four of his seven outings in 2021 and has also placed in two of those races. He’s expected to head to Cheltenham Festival later in the season with the Arkle the aim.

Coconut Splash

Trained by Evan Williams, this six-year-old ran well last season and finished the campaign with a rating of 137 as a novice chaser. He’ll most likely head to somewhere like Chepstow or Wetherby for his first start of the season, as he seems to favour soft or heavy ground. He’s still a novice when it comes to chasing so it may take a race for him to find his feet, but given that he finished second behind Chantry House in his last race, we expect to see good things.

Ante Post betting, also known as futures betting, is well known with regards to horse racing betting. Horse racing betting often offers odds on big races long before they actually take place, allowing you to potentially get better odds and bigger returns.

What is Ante Post betting?

Ante Post betting is when you place a bet on a horse race before the race card is confirmed and the race actually takes place. For example, the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup is a popular Ante Post race, as it is one of the biggest races of the horse racing calendar. In the run up to the race, there might be a wide selection of horses that are speculated to be entered into the race. Until the racecard is officially confirmed, any bet placed on the race will effectively be classed as Ante Post.

There are also some risks with Ante Post betting however. As the racecards are not yet confirmed, there is a chance that your selection might not even race. So although you might get increased odds on a sure favourite, there is a chance that your horse has no chance of winning. With Ante Post betting, any bet that is placed and then does not run, will be resulted in a loss. This means that no refunds will be issued and the stake will be lost.

Ante Post betting also applies to more betting markets than just horse racing. There are also other sports that feature ante post betting, including football betting. For example, a bet on the outright winner of the Premier League would be an ante post bet, as it will not be settled until the end of the season. These kind of ante post bets provide less risk however, as the team you bet on is guaranteed to take part in the Premier League season.

Ante Post Betting Example

• The Cheltenham Gold Cup is raced every March at Cheltenham racecourse, but markets for the race are typically open all year round. In anticipation of the race, you decide to place a bet on Horse A in January.
• As the race draws closer, the race card is confirmed. Horse A has instead been entered into another race and will not be taking part in the Gold Cup.
• With Horse A entering into another race, your bet will be resulted in a loss. Unless there is a special ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, a horse not running will always result in a loss with no stake being returned. If there is ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, then the stake will be returned.
• If Horse A does run, then the bet will be settled as normal. The bet will also avoid any Rule 4 declarations, meaning that your chances of winning will be increased, but your payout will remain the same.

Head back to our Bet UK Betting Guides for more information on our huge selection of betting markets.

Bet UK's online betting has the latest Ante Post betting on the biggest racing festivals, including the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. Bet UK's sports betting blog covers the latest sporting news from all major events, including the latest odds, tips and previews.

The Royal Ascot festival is well known around the world. The world’s best horses meet at Ascot Racecourse for 5 full days of races. Regularly attended by the Queen, expect to see many of the royal family, with Meghan Markle even making her first appearance. Bet UK have put together a guide for everything you could possibly need to know about Ascot racecourse so you are prepared for the festival.

Betting on Racing at Ascot

At Bet UK, you can find the latest horse racing betting odds for all Ascot races, as well as Royal Ascot betting tips over on our online blog.

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Where is Ascot racecourse?

Ascot racecourse is in Berkshire in south east England. Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, the racecourse is still commonly associated with the royal family. In 1813, a Parliamentary Act of Enclosure protected the grounds area as a racecourse. The royal family have visited the site yearly since then. The royal family visit used to be the only meeting of the year, but these days, Ascot holds 26 different race days each year. With Ascot being such a famous, well known racecourse, it actually sees 10% of all race course visitors each year. The majority of those 10% will surely be over the 5 day Royal Ascot event.

How to get to Ascot racecourse

Driving to Ascot Racecourse

If you’re driving from London or from the North of England, drive on the M4 until the A332 Windsor bypass, then follow the signs for Ascot. If coming from the West, still travel on the M4, leaving at Junction 10 and again, following the signs towards Ascot. From the South and South East, follow the M3 until Junction 3, taking you onto the A332 towards Bracknell. Ascot will be signposted all along this road. Travelling from the Midlands, take the M40 towards junction 4. Then follow the A404 onto the M4 towards London. Leave the M4 at Junction 6 and follow the signs all the way to Ascot.

Car Parking at Ascot Racecourse

There are 8,000 car parking spaces at Ascot Racecourse. Parking can get busy, so it is advised to prebook a space. Disabled parking is also available, but again it is advised that you prebook. If you booked a full restaurant package for your trip to Ascot, your parking space should be included.

Getting the train to Ascot Racecourse

If you are travelling by train during Royal Ascot, regular trains run from London Waterloo, Reading and Guildford. The train journey only takes just under an hour if coming from London, and just under 30 minutes from Reading. The station is also only about a 10 minute walk from the racecourse so it’s not far away at all.

What is the course like at Ascot racecourse?

The course at Ascot is a triangular, right handed circuit that is 14 furlong long, with the run in being 2 ½ furlongs long. The run in leading up the the finish line is also uphill, so a horse’s stamina will be vital coming into the home stretch. The whole course is hilly, with some parts being fully downhill then leading into a slight rise. There are 2 ‘1 Mile’ course, one is a straight run and the other has a curve toward the end before the home straight. For the curved mile, the corner has become a lot stepper after a redevelopment, making it a much harder run for some.

Racing Meetings At Ascot racecourse

Ascot is of course home to world famous Royal Ascot festival. Races take place over 5 days, with 6 races on each day. Some of the races are some of the oldest in the world, with Thursday’s Gold Cup taking place each year since 1807. The Gold Cup is also one of 3 races in which the trophy is presented by a member of the royal family. The other 2 are also both prestigious and historic races. The Queen’s Vase was first ran in 1838, with the Royal Hunt Cup running yearly since 1843.

Ayr is Scotland’s premier racecourse and home to the biggest races north of the border. It is Scotland’s only Grade 1 track and attracts thousands of racing fans throughout the year. Just like with all races, at Bet UK’s online sports betting you can get the latest horse racing betting odds for all meetings and races at Ayr racecourse. Over at our sports blog, we’ll be bringing you the latest Ayr racing betting tips for all major meetings.

Where is Ayr Racecourse?

Ayr racecourse is located just outside of the town of Ayr, in the south west of Scotland. Racing at Ayr dates back to 1576, but the races as we know it today have taken place since 1907. Since opening in 1907, Ayr’s reputation has steadily grown bigger and now hosts the 2 biggest meetings in Scotland. Ayr is one of the few courses that can boast big meetings in both the flat and jumps seasons, making it one of the best all year round tracks in the UK.

How To Get To Ayr Races

Driving to Ayr Racecourse

Regardless of where you are driving from, the easiest way to get to Ayr is to initially follow signs to Glasgow. Ayr is about 40 miles southwest of Glasgow, so as you approach Glasgow on the A74, leave at junction 12 and head along the A70 towards Ayr. After just over 10 miles on the A70, turn right onto the B74. Another 10 miles down the road, head straight over the roundabout to join the A719, which will take you directly to the races.

Car Parking at Ayr Racecourse

Car parking is free to all racegoers at Ayr and there is plenty of space available at the course. However for the bigger meetings at Ayr, it is recommended to turn up early if you want to guarantee yourself a space. There are 2 public car parks, one just outside the racecourse and one in the centre of the track, but both will be clearly signposted on the approach.

Getting The Train To Ayr Racecourse

Ayr train station is in close proximity to the racecourse and is also one of the most accessible stations in Scotland. Depending on where you are, you may have to get to Ayr via Edinburgh or Glasgow, but that should only add an extra hour onto your journey at the most. Once you arrive at the station in Ayr, head out of the main entrance and turn left onto Station Road. Cross the bridge over the River Ayr, before carrying on to walk along Craigie Road. Turn right at the end of the road and you’ll be able to see the main entrance to the races.

What Is The Track Like At Ayr?

When the races opened at Ayr in 1907, plans for the track took heavy inspiration from Newbury and there are clear similarities between the two courses. The track is left handed throughout and is a pretty fair track, with no major uphill or downhill sections. The 6f straight is fairly even throughout, with a slight downhill to start and a small incline on the final stretch. Races are typically ran at that shorter distance, although there are a few occasions when races can get to over 2f. The final stretch is very wide and can accommodate 28 horses side by side, so there's always a potential for a photo finish.

Racing Meetings at Ayr

There’s 2 major meetings that call Ayr their home: April’s Scottish Grand National and September’s Ayr Gold Cup meeting. As the name suggests, the Scottish Grand National is the pinnacle of Scottish horse racing and carries just as much weight as it’s English namesake. The Ayr Gold Cup is another big meeting that always attracts both local and national attention. In late September each year, horses and jockeys head to Ayr for 3 days of racing, ending with the headline Gold Cup on Saturday.

*All odds from Bet UK’s online betting markets correct at the time of writing.

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Epsom is one of the most popular racecourses in the UK and is host to The Derby each June. It has hosted races for over 350 years and has always had a connection with the royal family. To help you out ahead of a visit to Epsom, Bet UK have put together a complete Epsom Racecourse Guide. For Epsom betting, you can get the latest horse racing betting odds for all races at Bet UK’s online betting.

Where is Epsom Racecourse?

Epsom racecourse is about an hours drive south of London city centre and is relatively easy to get to from around the country. Epsom is actually set in a public area, meaning people can watch the Derby and other big races for free. It’s estimated that between actual racegoers and those watching from Epsom downs, 130,000 people can watch The Derby.

How To Get To Epsom Racecourse?

Driving To Epsom Racecourse

For those of you living in London, Epsom racecourse is relatively easy to get to. Simply head south from London City Centre on the A3. Exit the A3 at Tolworth Rise South, taking the 2nd exit at the roundabout onto the A240. After a short distance, turn left on Ruxley Lane and then right onto the B284. Follow that road until you reach Epsom, where you will see signposts directing you to the racecourse.

If you’re travelling from outside of London, make your way onto the M25 heading towards the South East. From the M25, turn off at junction 9 and take the second exit onto the A243. After 2 miles, turn right onto Rushett Lane, which will take you into the heart of Epsom. Again, as you approach the racecourse, there will be signposts directing you to the correct car parking area.

Car Parking At Epsom Racecourse

Car parking is freely available at Epsom racecourse on all race days. If you do want to park at the racecourse, then it’s advised to arrive sooner rather than later to ensure you get a space. If you manage to get there in time, it will cost you £5 for the days parking.

If you don’t manage to get parked at Epsom racecourse, then there are other alternatives around the town. Several car parks in the town center offer full day parking for similar prices to the racecourse. From there, there are plenty of buses and taxis available to take you to the races.

Getting The Train To Epsom Racecourse

There is a train station in Epsom town center, although it’s not easily accessible from across the country. If your local station services South Western Rail or Southern rail, then you can travel direct to Epsom, but otherwise, you’ll need to head to a London station first. Once you get to the train station, it’s about a 30 minute walk to the racecourse. However, there is also a taxi rank at the station and expect plenty of taxis on busy race days. There are also a couple of buses, the 460 and 480, that go direct from the station to the racecourse.

What is the course like at Epsom?

Epsom is one of the shorter courses in the country with a max length of just over 1m 4f. At any length longer than 5f, it’s a sharp left hand U turn before the horses reach the final straight. When the horses do reach the final straight, the race picks up as the ground suddenly goes downhill. With the downhill course, the 5f becomes one of the fastest in racing and can often be decided right at the start. Unlike a lot of racecourses, the ground is often better on the home straight on the near side rail. So if you are heading down to Epsom, get yourself down to the final post and you could be right in the action.

Racing Meetings at Epsom Racecourse

The Derby meeting is the highlight of the season at Epsom. In recent years, the meeting has been reduced to just 2 days, but there are still plenty of Group 1 races. Alongside The Derby, the Coronation Cup, Diomed Stakes, Woodcote Stakes and the ‘Dash’ are all races to keep an eye on. Other popular meetings include a late April meeting with a couple of handicaps, and an August bank holiday meeting that is always packed.

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Newbury racecourse might not be the most famous course in England, but it is home to some of the biggest races in the horse racing betting calendar. The Winter Carnival at Newbury has seen many famous winners throughout the years, including Arkle, Native River and Many Clouds. Newbury has been hosting racing meetings for over 100 years and with an upcoming development planned, it will surely remain as popular as ever.

Bet UK’s online betting has the latest Newbury betting odds, as well as horse racing betting odds for meetings all year round.

Where is Newbury Racecourse?

Newbury racecourse is located on the outskirts on Newbury in West Berkshire. The racecourse is approximately 2 miles from the centre of Newbury and will have regular transport links to and from the racecourse.

How to get to Newbury Racecourse

Driving to Newbury Racecourse

From the North, head down the M1 until reaching exit 15A. Leave at exit 15A and follow the A43. At exit 10, the A43 merges into the M40 towards London. At exit 9 on the M40, turn off and take the 3rd exit on the roundabout towards the A34. The A34 will take you directly to Newbury and eventually onto London Road. Keep going along London Road before turning right on Hambridge Road. Head straight over the first roundabout before turning right at the second, heading into Newbury Racecourse.

If you are driving from London, it’s almost a straight drive to Newbury. Simply head out of London on the M4, following the motorway until reaching exit 12. Turn left off the M4 onto the A4, following signs for Newbury. At the end of the road, turn left at the roundabout before taking your second left onto B3421. Head straight over the first roundabout before turning right at the second one, taking you direct to Newbury Racecourse.

Car Parking at Newbury Racecourse

The main car park is actually in the centre of the racecourse at Newbury. The car park can be accessed from both entrances to the course, however it is advised that you arrive early to avoid any traffic. In general, race organisers often advise people to travel to the dedicated train station at the racecourse, so parking in the centre of Newbury might be an option.

Getting the train to Newbury Racecourse

Handily, there is a train station at Newbury Racecourse that has direct trains from London Paddington, as well as regular trains from Newbury station itself.

What is the course like at Newbury?

Newbury racecourse is one of the UK’s premium tracks. The racecourse is very fair and in general, the track is consistent throughout. The course can be adjusted for jumps or flat racing. When flat racing, it’s a typically small course with a 1m long straight and a full circuit of around 1m 5f. It’s jump racing track is longer, and is typically ran at just over 2m. Both courses are left handed and fairly flat with few undulations throughout the course.

Racing meetings at Newbury Racecourse

The Winter Carnival is the highlight of Newbury’s racing season and often attracts some of the biggest names in horse racing. In recent years, Bobs Worth, Many Clouds and Native River have all won the highlight Ladbrokes Trophy. Coming just 2 weeks after The Open at Cheltenham, the Winter Carnival is another chance for horses to warm up at the start of the jump racing season. As well as the Winter Carnival, there is also Betfair Super Saturday, Dubai Duty Free Springs Trials and the Starlight Charity Race Day.

If you are betting on Newbury racing, please gamble responsibly and remember that when the fun stops, stop. All players must be 18+. begambleaware.org.

York Racecourse is one of the oldest racecourses in the country and is home to some of racing's biggest festivals. Since the 16th century, York has been home to horse racing and in the modern day, it produces some of the biggest prizes in the country. In fact, only Ascot offers more prize money per meeting than at York. To help you out ahead of a day at the races, Bet UK have put together a complete York racecourse guide with everything you need to know.

Bet on Racing at York

If you are looking for horse racing betting then head over to Bet UK’s online betting where you’ll find odds on all UK and Irish meetings.

Where is York Racecourse?

York Racecourse is one of the few courses that is actually within walking distance of the city centre. Found in the south west of the city, it is also known as the Knavesmire, a name dating back to medieval times. Transport to the racecourse is straightforward, with shuttle buses and car parking both readily available.

The track at York racecourse

York racecourse is one where a lot of punters still haven't quite figured out who this track suits best. Do top jockeys want to be at the front of the pack or does being the last to challenge give you an advantage here? Generally, from our experience at York, those that start at the front, more often than not, end up closer towards the back.

The track itself is left-handed and is ideal for horses that are excellent over long distances, if conditions lead to the ground being soft, Knavesmire could turn into a nightmare, particularly with a 6f straight.

What famous races take place at York?

If you're looking to visit York, you may be interested in York races where a world class horseracing experience comes from the first race of the day to the last. The most famous races at the racecourse can be found during the flat racing season, with three group one races in August, 10 group two races between May and August and six group three races during the same period. The highlights of York races come in the group one races, which are:

• International Stakes
• Yorkshire Oaks
• Nunthorpe Stakes

How To Get To York Racecourse

Driving to York Racecourse

Although there are a few different ways to get to York racecourse, it is advised that on race days, you should enter through the south entrance at the A64. Regardless of where you are driving from, this makes driving to the racecourse more straightforward. Simply drive along the A1 until you reach exit 44. From there, head towards York on the A64, where you will see the racecourse on your left-hand side. On race days, there will be plenty of traffic signs telling you where to go, so just stick on the A64 until you are directed elsewhere.

Car Parking At York Racecourse

Car Parking at York Racecourse is free to all spectators, although it will be a first come first served. If you are unable to get parking at the racecourse, then there is paid parking at York Station which isn’t far away, as well as plenty of options in York City Centre. With transport around York easy to get by on, don’t worry if you can’t get a space at the racecourse.

Getting The Train To York Racecourse

York racecourse is luckily just 1.5 miles away from York train station, so getting there by train is a viable option. York is one of the more popular stations in the UK, so regular trains will be running from all major stations across the country. From the station, you can get the number 197 Shuttle Bus which runs regularly on race days, taking you directly to the racecourse. If you fancy the walk, then head out the station and turn right onto Station Road. Turn right again onto Blossom Street before heading along Knavesmire Road to take you direct to the racecourse.

What Is The Course Like At York?

York racecourse is one of the most popular racecourses for jockeys and fans alike. York is a very fair and even course throughout the track, unlike Cheltenham for example, which has the famous hill at the end of its course. The course is left handed, flat throughout and wide enough for a huge field of runners.

York racecourse oozes sporting excellence with award winning facilities that match-up to the fabulous days of racing across the flat season

Racing Meetings At York Racecourse

York hosts some of the highlights of the summer racing schedule. The season gets underway in May with the Dante Festival. Throughout the Dante are two trials for the Epsom Derby and Epsom Oaks - the Dante Stakes and the Musidora Stakes respectively. The highlight however is the famous Ebor Festival in August. It doesn’t get bigger than the Ebor at York, with plenty of Group 1 races and the Ebor Stakes offering some of the biggest prizes in horse racing. Get today on Horse Racing at York.

If you are betting on horse-racing, please gamble responsibly and remember that when the fun stops, stop. All players must be 18+.