Best horse racing betting sites in Ireland (2025)

THERE are few sports as heavily ingrained into Irish culture as horse racing.

With a strong Irish presence in the big UK races including Cheltenham, Royal Ascot and the Grand National to huge festivals over here including the Dublin Racing Festival and Punchestown.

In this guide to the best horse betting sites, we delve into the sport in detail, introducing key concepts to beginners and offering valuable betting tips for both new and experienced horse racing bettors. 

Top-rated Irish horse racing betting sites

Narrowing down the list of the best Irish horse racing betting sites was no easy task. We have applied our Sun Factor ratings, as well as our experiences using these sites, to create the following list. 

A closer look at the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland

1. bet365

After careful consideration, we have ranked bet365 as our favourite horse racing betting site in Ireland. There are many reasons for this. The site offers regular live-streams, enhanced odds, and extra place specials, all of which significantly enhance the horse racing betting experience. 

The best odds guaranteed feature is extremely useful, ensuring you will get the best available odds pre-race for your selection. Its daily price boosts also ensure that horse racing is given the spotlight year-round, and not just during Cheltenham or other major events. You will also find some excellent ante-post betting opportunities for all of the major events. 

During big events, the site will also increase the number of places it offers, with them paying out six places on this year’s Grand National. 

This is topped off with a fantastic welcome bonus, which serves up €30 in free bets when punters deposit their first €10 on the site. 

2. BetVictor

BetVictor was a close second in our rankings of the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland. The operator’s live coverage is superb, and you will find some of the most competitive odds in Ireland here. There is also a Best Odds Guaranteed feature in place for all races from Ireland and the UK. 

As well as this, it also has the extremely useful BetFinder feature. This allows you to filter your requirements to find a bet for you. You can choose the horse grade, recent form, and more, and the site will find a horse that fits your description in today’s races. 

New customers at BetVictor can claim €50 in bonuses when they make their first €10 bet on the site. 

3. Novibet

Novibet has recently established itself as one of the top bookmakers in Ireland, and one of the main reasons for this is its selection of horse racing betting markets. The site offers excellent odds on horse races in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and elsewhere. 

It also runs daily extra places promotions, which see races pay out for up to four places, instead of the standard three you will find at most top Irish horse racing betting sites. Its odds are also extremely generous, with plenty of value to be found here. 

New customers at Novibet can get up to €50 in free bets. 

4. 888 Sport

If you are looking for an operator that provides regular horse racing bonuses, then 888 Sport could be the one for you. Not only does the site offer excellent odds throughout the week, but it also has a weekly horse racing free bet that gives punters who bet over €100 a €10 bonus. 

888 is also one of the best sites for new customers, with the 888 Sport blog offering regular tips, as well as how-to guides and informative posts about the sport in general. If you are a new customer with 888 Sport, you can claim €30 in free bets with your first €10 deposit. 

5. NetBet

NetBet is another operator that has recently emerged as a favourite among Irish horse racing bettors. The site’s ever-growing betting options for Irish and UK racing make it an extremely attractive option, as well as its extensive coverage of worldwide races. 

We have also found that it offers some excellent ante-post betting options, as well as regularly offering generous cash-out options. New customers at NetBet can claim a €20 welcome bonus with their first €20 bet. 

6. Betway

Betway has long been one of the best horse-racing operators available in Ireland. The operator offers daily live-streams, as well as enhanced odds and other betting features. You will also find that it offers some excellent promotions during big events like Cheltenham and the Grand National. 

It is also home to one of the best free horse-racing promotions on the market: 4 to Win. For this, punters must try to guess the correct winners of four races to win their share of a jackpot prize. The site also offers new punters €50 in free bets if their first €10 or more bet loses. 

7. TonyBet

If it’s international racing options you are looking for, TonyBet could well be the site for you. The site offers competitive odds on races from around the world, including France, Japan, Australia, South Africa, and more. Of course, the UK and Irish races take centre stage, with regular price boosts and competitive odds. 

TonyBet has become a favourite of ours in recent years due to its user-friendly website design, excellent customer service, and extensive range of betting features, all of which complement the horse racing options perfectly. When you sign up with TonyBet, you can claim a 100% welcome bonus up to €100 with your first bet. 

8. SBK

Last, but by no means least, we have SBK. SBK has really made a statement over the last couple of years and is one of the most stylish and modern sports betting sites in Ireland. If you are a fan of mobile horse racing betting, then SBK would be our top recommendation, with the site’s effortless design, instantly-updated odds, and regular cash-out options making it perfect for mobile betting. 

SBK also nails its colours to the mast as offering the best horse racing odds in Ireland, allowing punters to compare odds between themselves and their competitors. It also provides one of the most diverse horse-racing betting selections, covering races from around the world and featuring a wide range of markets. New customers at SBK can claim €50 in free bets with a €10 bet. SBK also runs weekly horse racing free bets. 

Which betting site has the most horse racing markets?

After reviewing a wide range of horse racing betting sites, we found that bet365 had the best selection of horse racing markets. The site covered all races from the UK and Ireland, as well as a wide selection of international markets, with a great choice from Australia and New Zealand. It also offered plenty of virtual horse racing options. BetVictor, Betway, and TonyBet also offered an impressive selection. 

What to look for in the best horse racing betting sites

When choosing our list of the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland, we carefully considered each site and highlighted the following factors. 

• Safety: Our biggest priority when recommending horse racing betting sites is the safety and well-being of our customers. We will only recommend websites that are fully regulated and utilise the latest and best encryption and privacy technology available on the market. 
• Horse racing markets: Of course, the number and quality of the horse racing markets available are one of the most important factors when highlighting the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland. We check to see which races and cups are covered, as well as the number of places the bookies pay, and more. 
• Competitive horse racing odds: It’s no use a bookie offering a big selection of markets if they have poor odds. When reviewing the best horse racing betting sites, we compare an operator’s odds with those of other betting sites to determine how much value they offer. 
• Horse racing promotions: Horse racing is one of the most popular sports to bet on in Ireland. As such, many top bookmakers will offer horse-racing-specific bonuses and promotions. This includes free bets, price boosts, and more. 
• Special betting features: As well as bonuses, you will find that many top horse racing betting sites in Ireland offer special betting features. These include things like cash-out, live-streams, and best odds guaranteed. The latter of these is particularly popular among Irish bookmakers. Of course, we also love a spot of mobile betting here at The Sun, so we always check to see if an operator has a mobile app we can download. 

Types of horse racing races: flat vs jump

Horse racing is broadly divided into main categories: flat racing and National Hunt Racing (jump or steeplechase racing). Flat racing, as its name suggests, takes place on a flat course and is primarily a test of speed, while National Hunt racing features obstacles and is often conducted over longer courses, demanding more stamina. Let’s highlight some of the key differences: 

	Flat Racing	National Hunt (Jump) racing
Race layout	Flat, level, courses. Often oval/circular or straight.	Obstacles and jumps of differing heights and types are laid across the course.
Obstacles	None	Hurdles, fences, ditches, water jumps
Time of year	Shorter distances that benefit faster, younger horses	October-April
Distance	Shorter distance that benefit faster, younger horses	Much longer courses that are sometimes miles in length.
Horses used	Typically, younger, more athletic horses	Experienced, mature horses with more stamina. Many advance from flat to National Hunt racing.

Major horse racing events you can bet on in Ireland

Ireland has one of the busiest horse racing calendars in Europe, with many top meets and festivals for punters to bet on. Of course, British racing events are also extremely popular among punters on the Emerald Isle. Let’s break down the most popular ones from both countries: 

Irish Derby

The Irish Derby is the most popular flat race, with tens of thousands of people attending the event. The race takes place at the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare and is held in late June/early July. The 2025 edition was won by Lambourn, who became the twentieth horse to have won both the Irish Derby and its British counterpart, the Epsom Derby. 

Galway Races

The Galway Races are a week-long festival held at the Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway. The event features a mix of National Hunt and flat races, and it is one of the most highly attended events on the Irish sporting calendar. The busiest days of the meet are Wednesday and Thursday, when the Galway Plate and the Galway Hurdle races take place. 

Punchestown Festival

The Punchestown Festival is seen as the finale of the Irish National Hunt season, pulling in some of the best jockeys and trainers from across Ireland and the UK. The event takes place at the Punchestown racecourse in Kildare and is one of the busiest weeks of the year for Irish bookmakers. 

Irish Grand National 

The Irish Grand National is the most prestigious National Hunt steeplechase in Ireland and is one of the most popular races of the year. The event is held at the Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath every Easter Monday, with a prize of €500,000. The 2025 winner was Haiti Couleurs, ridden by Sean Bowen. 

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is the main event on the National Hunt racing calendar. The event takes place over the course of a week every March and is held in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in the UK. The event pulls a huge crowd and is one of the highlights of the year for Irish and British horse racing punters. The Cheltenham Gold Cup race is the most popular race of the event. 

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the most iconic events in horse racing. The event is the most valuable meet in the UK, offering £10 million in prize money. The five-day event pulls a huge crowd, with the Royal Family being the most famous attendees. The event is seen as a showcase of British high society and fashion. The most prestigious race at Royal Ascot is The Gold Cup, which takes place on Thursday, also known as ‘Ladies Day’, with most attendees putting on their finest clothes and fashion taking centre stage. 

Grand National

The Grand National is arguably the most iconic horse racing event in the world. The race is run at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool and attracts a huge crowd of Irish and British horse-racing lovers. The Grand National also attracts non-horse-racing fans, with the race being one of the busiest days of the year for bookmakers. The race is contested every April, with 34 horses looking to write their names in the history books. Irish jockey Patrick Mullins, trained by his father and legendary former jockey Willie Mullins, won the 2025 edition. 

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is another British race steeped in history and tradition. The race is often considered the greatest flat race course in the world, with the event being held at the iconic Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England. It is also one of the most lucrative races, with the prize fund for the 2025 edition being £1.5m. 

Top horse race courses in Ireland

Ireland is home to some of the best race courses in the world, both for flat and National Hunt racing. The following is just a taster of the kind of fantastic venues and courses you can find up and down the Emerald Isle. 

Curragh Racecourse

Curragh Racecourse is often seen as the premier flat racing venue in Ireland. The course, located in County Kildare, is known for its fast track and exciting uphill finish. The course hosts all five Irish Classic races. 

Leopardstown Racecourse

Leopardstown is a dual-purpose track that is located not far from Dublin. It plays host to the Irish Champions weekend on its flat course, with the Christmas Festival being its most popular jumps event. 

Laytown Racecourse

Laytown is perhaps the most unique racecourse in Ireland, if not Europe, in that it holds its races on a beach. Races are held at Laytown, in County Meath, once a year in September. Due to the nature of the course, the distances are extremely short, with the races being more of a unique tradition than anything else. 

Punchestown Racecourse

Punchestown is seen as the home of Irish Jump Racing. Like Curragh, it is located in County Kildare and plays host to the final week of the National Hunt season every April. It also hosts the Punchestown Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle, two of the most prestigious races in Ireland. 

Ballybrit Racecourse

Ballybrit, or Galway Racecourse, as it is also known, is famous for the Galway Races festival that is held every summer. The mixed flat and National Hunt festival is one of the biggest sporting events during the summer months in Ireland. 

How to bet on horse racing in Ireland

Betting on horse racing in Ireland has never been easier. To get started, just follow these steps: 

• Sign up with one of the Irish sports betting sites listed in this guide. 
• If you are a new customer, be sure to check and claim any available welcome bonuses. 
• Once you are signed up and verified, head to the horse-racing section of the sportsbook. 
• Find the race you want to bet on. In some instances, such as the Grand National or Cheltenham, these may be featured on the homepage. 
• Add your selection to your betting slip. 
• Double-check that you have made the right selection and entered the correct stake. 
• Hit confirm and enjoy the races. 

Popular horse racing bet types

One of the many reasons horse racing is such a hit with Irish bettors is the number of different bet types that can be placed on the sport. Let’s take a closer look: 

• Win – This is the most basic type of bet in horse racing; it is a straightforward bet on which horse wins the race. 
• Each way – An each way bet is a bet on a horse to place as well as a bet on them to win. Placing means finishing in one of a pre-determined number of spots in a race. For example, a bookie might offer places up to fourth place in a certain race. 
• Multiple/Acca – Accas are extremely popular in horse racing. This is when you bet on four or more results to come in. For an acca to win, you need all of the bets on it to come in. 
• Without the favourite: Some bookies offer bets without the favourite. These are bets with the odds adjusted when the favourite is removed. To win this, your horse needs to win the race or finish second to the favourite. 
• Trixie: A Trixie bet involves four separate bets covering three selections in a race. The bet includes three doubles and one treble. You will need two of the selections on the bet to win for the bet to pay out. 
• Lucky 15: This is the next step up from a trixie. It features four selections with 15 individual bets placed. This covers four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and a fourfold. 
• Lucky 31: Next up is the Lucky 31, which features five horses with 31 individual bets. This features five singles, ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and a five-fold acca. 
• Lucky 63: The Lucky 63 takes things up a level, with six selections being covered over 63 bets. This is made up of six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds, and one six-fold acca. 
• Yankee: A Yankee sees 11 bets split over four horses. It includes six doubles, four trebles, and a four-fold acca. 
• Canadian Bet: A Canadian Bet, also known as a Super Yankee, sees 26 bets split over five selections. It is made up of ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and a five-fold acca. 
• Super Heinz Bet: A Super Heinz-Bet is 120 bets on seven horses. This is made up of 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, seven six-folds, and a seven-fold acca. 
• Goliath: Finally, we have the Goliath, which is made up of a whopping 247 bets for eight horses. This features 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, 8 seven-folds, and 1 eight-fold accumulator. 

Horse racing betting offers and promotions

Several popular bonuses and promotions are used more exclusively in horse racing than in any other sport. We break them down below: 

• Extra places: This is when bookies will offer additional places they will pay out for on an each-way bet. For example, an operator may traditionally pay for three places, but as part of the promotion, they will pay for four places. 
• Odds boosts: Many of the top horse racing betting sites listed in this guide offer regular odds boosts. This is when a bookie increases the odds of a horse winning. For example, a horse might be boosted from 5/1 to 6/1. 
• Best odds guaranteed: This is a widely used promotion by top Irish betting sites. If you take a price on a horse, and the starting price is higher, the bookmaker will pay out at the higher starting price. For example, if you back a horse at 2/1 and then its price changes to 3/1 and it wins, you will be paid out at 3/1. 
• No-runner no-bet: These promotions are applied specifically to Ante-Post bets. When one of these is active, your bet will automatically be cancelled and refunded if your selected horse does not run for whatever reason. 
• Money-back: These promos ensure that punters get their stake back either as a refund or as a bonus if their horses lose in certain circumstances. For example, you might receive a refund if your horse falls or finishes in the top three. 
• Ante-post betting: This is not strictly a promotion in the same way as the other features on this list. Instead, it is a type of bet that is placed days, weeks, or even months before a race takes place and official odds are offered. 

Special features for betting on horse racing

As bookies have become more competitive over the years, so have the features that they offer. Due to the popularity of horse racing, the sport is placed front and centre of many of their marketing campaigns and feature launches. The following are some of the most common special features you will encounter for betting on horse racing in Ireland. 

• Accumulator (ACCA) bets: Accumulator bets, affectionately known by punters as accas, are bets featuring four or more selections. For an acca to win, you need all of your selections to win. These are especially popular during big events like the Cheltenham Festival. 
• In-play betting: Live betting is an essential part of the modern sports betting experience. While flat races tend to be over quickly, making placing an in-play bet quite difficult, National Hunt races will see incredibly quick changes in the odds and present a great opportunity for you to do some in-play betting, especially if your horse falls early or drops behind. 
• Cash out: The cash-out option has become ubiquitous at top online betting sites in Ireland. This allows punters to exit a bet early depending on how it is playing out. If your bet is winning, you are likely to be offered a portion of your potential winnings to cash out, while if it is losing, you might be lucky enough to get offered some of your stake back. 
• Live streaming: There is nothing more exciting than watching a bet unfold in real-time. Most of the top Irish horse racing sites offer live streams of races throughout the day. 
• Enhanced odds: Enhanced odds do as they say on the tin, providing punters with better prices for certain selections. For example, a horse might be enhanced from 2/1 to 3/1. 

How do odds work at horse racing betting sites?

If you are new to the world of horse racing betting and betting in general, then understanding the type of odds commonly used by bookmakers, such as fractional odds, can appear daunting. However, once you understand the basics, calculating it is not too difficult. 

The easiest way to understand fractional odds is to see the number on the right as what you will win, and the number on the left as your stake. So, if a horse is 5/1, you will make a €5 profit for every €1 you bet. So if you bet €5, you would win €25. 

If you find this system too challenging, you can adjust your settings and use decimal betting, which has become increasingly popular. In this instance, the number displayed is the total amount you will get back (profit+your stake) for every one unit you stake. So if a bet is displayed as 2.0, then you will get €2 if you bet €1, which is a €1 profit and your €1 stake back. If this were displayed as a fractional bet, it would be 1/1. 

How to analyse a horse before betting

The world of horse racing betting is full of lingo and phrases that might sound confusing to newcomers. However, once you begin to get involved, you will discover that it is not as complicated as it first appeared. The following are some of the key things a beginner should consider when betting on horse racing in Ireland. 

• Recent form: A horse’s recent form is a crucial aspect when weighing up your options. This will factor in a number of elements, including their recent races, as well as their history on certain courses and in certain conditions. You should always avoid betting on horses that are out of form. 
• Jockey & trainer: What kind of record do the jockey and trainer have working together? How experienced and successful are they? Does the jockey have a claim? All of these things should be considered when choosing a horse to bet on. 
• Ground condition (The Going): Check the conditions of the ground and see how horses have performed in those conditions before. This can be a significant factor and is one that many inexperienced horse bettors overlook. 
• Weight: A few pounds can make a massive difference when it comes to horse racing, so you should always pay attention to this. Observing how a horse has performed at different weights and reviewing the opposition’s results, especially in handicapped racing, is essential. 
• Race class: Race classes are used to determine the ability of the horses, with higher classes featuring better, more experienced horses than lower classes. You should make sure you understand this if a horse is stepping up a class or is dropping down one. 
• Horse age: As well as the class and weight, you should also check the horse’s age. Older, more mature horses tend to be more consistent and deliver over longer courses, while younger horses, while more volatile, can be better on flat races. 
• The odds: The biggest factor for most punters when weighing up whether they want to bet on a horse or not is the odds. Does the price represent value? What are the places’ payouts? Can you find better odds elsewhere? All of this should be considered when weighing up whether or not you want to place a bet. 

Top Irish jockeys and trainers to follow

Ireland has a fine history of producing some of the best jockeys and trainers in horse racing. Let’s take a look at some of the big names to pay attention to in 2025. 

Irish Jockeys

Paul Townsend

Paul Townsend is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion and is one of Willie Mullins’ most reliable riders. He is famous for his strong, powerful finishes and has performed consistently well at big festivals, winning Mullins his first Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2019 before making it back-to-back wins in 2020. 

Jack Kennedy

Another recent Gold Cup winner to come from Ireland is Jack Kennedy, who won the iconic cup for the first time in 2021. He typically rides for Gordon Elliott and is one of the most decorated National Hunt jockeys currently riding from Ireland. 

Patrick Mullins

Paddy Mullins grabbed headlines this year when he rode Nick Rockett to victory in the 2025 Grand National. The son of Willie Mullins, he is one of the most accomplished amateur jockeys in National Hunt history and is also a multiple-time Cheltenham Festival winner. 

Dylan Browne McMonagle

22-year-old Dylan Browne McMonagle is one of the fastest-rising jockeys in Ireland. He currently competes in flat races and has secured multiple Group 1 victories. He is highly touted as a name to watch. 

Irish Trainers 

Willie Mullins

Willie Mullins is undoubtedly the king of Irish National Hunt racing. He secured his 19th Champion Trainer title this year, and his yard has produced some of the best riding talent Ireland has ever seen. He has seen winners at several major festivals, including the aforementioned Paul Townsend and Jack Kennedy in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Patrick Mullins, his son, at this year’s Grand National. 

Gordon Elliott

Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have long competed for the title of the best trainer in Ireland, with Elliott’s yard often producing top-quality talent. His jockeys have excelled in handicap races, and while he has been quieter in the last couple of years, he has seen plenty of success over the years, winning his first Grand National at 29. 

Aidan O’Brien

When it comes to flat racing, few can compete with Aidan O’Brien. The 55-year-old won major trophies around the world and has trained many of the 21st Century’s best jockeys and horses. 

Horse racing betting tips for beginners

If you are new to the world of horse racing betting, then the following are some excellent beginner’s tips to help you get started. 

Study the form 

Understanding form is crucial to success in horse racing betting. ‘The form’ in racing is a very broad term that includes everything from the form of the trainers and the horses to their past history on a course and in certain conditions. Horse racing is generally a sport that rewards research; the more knowledge you have, the better you are likely to do. 

Check tips 

Horse racing tipsters are everywhere, and knowing the best ones to follow can be tricky. We recommend doing your own research and then supporting them with advice from the experts. The more you read, the more you will find experts and tipsters that you like to follow. Of course, these should always be a guide, and you should never just repeat someone’s bets blindly without doing your own research. 

Compare odds

While we all have some sports betting sites we prefer over others, there is no room for loyalty when it comes to horse racing betting. The top bookmakers compete with one another when it comes to horse racing, which means punters shop around to ensure they are getting the best odds. We recommend using odds comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best value bets available. 

Search for the best each-way places 

Likewise, you should also check to see how many places each bookie is paying out at. This is especially relevant during big races like the Grand National, where bookies will pay out a much higher number of places on each-way bets than usual. 

Utilise bonuses and promotions 

Horse racing bonuses are extremely common on top sports betting sites, so you would be foolish not to take advantage of the ones that fit your needs. Bonuses can be an excellent way of boosting your online bookmaker account and of enhancing your overall sports betting experience. 

Never gamble more than you can afford to lose 

Of course, you should always make sure you gamble responsibly. You should never rely on horse racing money for financial income and should always set a budget. All of the bookmakers listed in this guide offer responsible gambling tools and services, including the ability to set spending and betting-time limits on your account. 

Q&A about horse racing betting sites in Ireland

This article features a lot of information to digest for newcomers to the world of Irish horse racing betting. If you still have some questions, these FAQs should help clear things up. 

1. What are the best horse racing online betting sites? 

There are many excellent horse racing online betting sites available in Ireland. In our opinion, bet365, BetVictor, SBK and Betway are among the best. 

2. How to get into horse racing betting?

If you want to get into horse racing betting, we would advise studying up on the sport and watching it a lot before betting on it. Learn how the sport works, pick some jockeys and trainers to watch, and really get to know how things work before placing a bet. 

3. Can I watch live horse racing online?

Yes. Most of the top horse racing betting sites in Ireland will offer live streams of horse racing events from around the world. 

4. Can I bet on horse races from my phone?

Yes. You can bet on horse races using your smartphones or tablets. Many top betting sites will also offer mobile apps. 

5. What happens if a horse is withdrawn?

In most instances, when a horse is withdrawn from a race, a player’s stake will be refunded. We do advise checking with individual bookmakers to see their policies. 

Responsible gambling

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Problem gambling – problemgambling.ie
• Gamble Aware – gambleaware.org

Help with gambling addiction

If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.