Soccer and Horse Race: Similarities and Betting Markets

Published on 07 Apr 2025 | Last updated on 01 Jul 2026 | Reading time: 4 minutes

Soccer is the world’s most followed sport, with billions tuning in to watch matches on a regular basis. Therefore, it is little surprise that the sport ranks among the most betted events on the sporting calendar.

Bettors are able to wager on a wide selection of markets, with leagues in every corner of the globe covered by the leading sportsbooks.

However, it could be argued that horse racing is the only sport that comes close to soccer when it comes to betting, with events such as the Grand National and Breeders’ Cup Classic all gaining mainstream attention around the time of the event. However, the crown jewel of racing events is the Kentucky Derby, which would be the equivalent in soccer to the Champions League final.

You can find more information about this event here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/betting/

But, what are some of the key differences and similarities between the two betting options?

Betting Markets

One of the main similarities between the two sports is the fact that bettors will have the opportunity to wager on the eventual outcome of an event. In soccer, this can be achieved on the moneyline or match result market, while bettors on horse racing can wager on the moneyline.

The key difference is that each sport will have a different number of selections. In soccer, there are only three possible outcomes- both teams and the draw. However, in horse racing, there could be as many as 20 selections in a race such as the Kentucky Derby, and 34 for a race like the Grand National.

Researching

Another key similarity between the sports of horse racing and soccer is the fact that bettors must put aside time to make the most knowledgeable selections. In soccer, this includes examining the latest form of the two teams involved, as well as assessing the head-to-head records and notable trends involving sides throughout the season.

In horse racing, research must also be completed in order to make the best selections. For example, bettors will examine the previous performances of runners in the race, assessing the distances that the horse has competed over, and their eventual speed rating.

Research requires further detail when wagering on horse racing, as historical trends for races can also be considered. Furthermore, bettors will also consider the strike rates of the trainers and jockeys involved, and also each of their records in the race in which they are trying to win.

Wide Selection of Options

Bettors will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to betting on both horse racing and soccer, as there is a wealth of options available aside from the prominent markets.

Soccer has a richer selection of markets online, as bettors are able to stake their funds on markets ranging from first goal scorer to a red card being issued. Bettors can also wager on there being over/under goals, cards, and corners.

Horse racing bettors can also get more creative when making their selections, as a wealth of betting markets are also available. This includes being able to bet on the correct finishing order with the Exacta and Trifecta options. Meanwhile, bettors can also wager on a horse to finish second, as well as being able to bet on the winning distance of their selection.

All of these options ensure that both sports rank among the most enjoyable for bettors, as there is freedom when making selections that can’t be found elsewhere.

Types of Bet

Having the freedom to make bets your own way is also essential when making selections on soccer and horse racing. This can come in the various forms of different bet types that are available when making final selections. One of the most popular soccer types of bet comes in the form of the parlay, as gamblers are able to combine multiple different teams to maximize their potential returns.

Bet builders have also been a popular addition for single-game bettors, as you are now able to combine markets such as match result, goal scorer, player to be carded, and total corners into one bet.

Horse racing is no different when it comes to making different types of bets. Parlay betting is also incredibly popular, especially when combining a number of shorter-priced horses in order to maximize your returns.

There are also other forms of multiple betting options available when wagering on racing, including a Lucky 15. Here, a bettor can include four selections, with the bet type covering all possible singles, doubles, and trebles, as well as the four-fold.

In-Play Betting

One of the most significant additions to soccer betting in recent memory has been the growth in in-play betting. Here, bets can be placed on the action after a match has kicked off, enabling bettors to make selections depending on the momentum swings in the fixture.

In-play betting is rarer in horse racing, but it is still possible mainly on races on the National Hunt schedule, as these are longer races than would typically be run on the flat.