Explore virtual flat horse racing with Horse Flat Racing at Ladbrokes. Browse upcoming events, check the runners and compare available odds before choosing a selection.
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What is Horse Flat Racing?
Horse Flat Racing is a virtual horse racing product featuring animated races without fences or jumping obstacles. You can follow the runners around the track and view the finishing result after the event.
Results are determined using random number generator software, commonly called RNG. The pace and positioning shown in the animation present the race outcome; real-world horse form, trainer records and jockey performances do not determine the result.
Each race operates independently from previous results.
How can you browse upcoming races?
Use the schedule and countdown displayed on the product to find an event. Review the runners, markets and available prices before betting closes.
Check the field size and confirm the name or number of your chosen runner. If you move between events, make sure your betslip shows the race you intended to select.
Refer to the current schedule for timings rather than assuming a fixed interval between races.
Which betting markets can you explore?
The available options are shown for your selected event. The following explanations cover win, each-way, forecast and tricast bets where offered.
Win bets
A win bet requires your selected runner to finish first.
For example, a win-only selection on runner 4 loses if that runner finishes second. Leading earlier in the animation does not meet the requirement; settlement follows the confirmed result and market rules.
Each-way bets
An each-way bet consists of two equal parts: one on your runner to win and one on it to finish in a qualifying place.
Check the number of places paid and the fraction of the win odds used for the place part. Do not assume the same terms apply to every field size.
For example, an each-way bet with 1 pound on each part has a total stake of 2 pounds. If your runner finishes in a qualifying place without winning, the win part loses and the place part wins under the stated terms.
A winning place part does not necessarily mean your total return exceeds the full each-way stake.
Forecast bets
A straight forecast requires you to select the runners finishing first and second in the correct order.
For example, selecting runner 6 first and runner 2 second requires those runners to finish in that sequence. If their positions are reversed, that straight forecast loses.
Other forecast options may cover additional combinations. Check the bet type and full cost before confirming.
Tricast bets
A straight tricast requires you to select the first three finishers in the correct order.
For example, selecting runners 3, 7 and 1 in that sequence requires runner 3 to finish first, runner 7 second and runner 1 third.
Check whether the market is offered for your chosen race. If other tricast options are available, review the combinations covered and total stake.
How do Horse Flat Racing odds work?
The odds show the potential return on a successful bet based on your stake. Each price applies to the race, market and selection displayed.
For example, imagine a win selection is priced at 9/2, equivalent to decimal odds of 5.5. A successful bet with a stake of 2 pounds would return 11 pounds, including your original stake and 9 pounds profit.
If the selection loses, you lose your stake. These odds are illustrative; check the available price and return information before confirming your bet.
Each-way returns depend on the place terms. Forecast and tricast returns follow their applicable pricing and settlement rules.
What is the RTP for Horse Flat Racing?
Return to player, or RTP, describes the theoretical proportion of stakes returned as winnings over a large number of bets. It does not predict an individual race result or guarantee what you will receive during a session.
The table shows RTP figures by field size and betting market.
| Field size | Win RTP | Each-way RTP | Forecast RTP | Tricast RTP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 88% | 87.42% | 70.87% | 63.6% |
| 9 | 88% | 86.03% | 71.02% | 63.71% |
| 10 | 88% | 84.54% | 70.93% | 63.65% |
| 11 | 88% | 83.11% | 70.93% | 63.73% |
| 12 | 87.2% | 87.53% | 62.84% | 56.14% |
| 13 | 87.2% | 86.72% | 62.78% | 56.08% |
| 14 | 87.2% | 86.01% | 62.90% | 56.20% |
| 15 | 87.2% | 85.24% | 62.78% | 56.14% |
| 16 | 84.4% | 95.25% | 55.06% | - |
Field size means the number of runners in the race. Read the relevant row alongside the market you are considering.
For example, a theoretical RTP of 88% represents an average return of 88 pounds for every 100 pounds staked over a large number of bets. It does not mean a particular selection has an 88% chance of winning or that staking 100 pounds will return 88 pounds.
Each-way RTP is different from each-way terms. The terms specify the number of places paid and the fraction of the win odds used for the place part.
No tricast RTP figure is supplied for the 16-runner row. Check the product for the markets and conditions currently offered.
Can previous results predict the next race?
Previous results do not determine the next independent RNG outcome. A runner number losing several times does not mean it is due to win, and a previous winning selection is not certain to win again.
The animation does not create a form guide for future events. A runner finishing strongly in one race should not be treated as evidence of how it will perform in another.
What should you check before placing a bet?
Before adding a selection to your betslip, review:
- The race: Confirm the event and scheduled start.
- The runner: Check the selected name or number.
- The market: Read what your chosen bet requires.
- The place terms: For each-way bets, check the places paid and the odds fraction.
- The finishing order: For straight forecasts and tricasts, confirm the exact sequence.
- The total stake: Include both parts of each-way bets and any additional combinations.
- The return information: Review the available odds and how your bet is priced.
You can browse race information without placing a bet. If betting closes, you do not need to choose the next available event.
Where can you find Horse Flat Racing betting rules?
Visit our virtual sports betting rules and read the conditions relevant to Horse Flat Racing and your selected market.
Check how results are confirmed, how tied finishing positions are handled and what happens if an event is interrupted or cancelled.
How to bet on Horse Flat Racing
Log in to your Ladbrokes account and complete any required account checks. Then:
- Find a race. Check the event time and listed runners.
- Choose a market. Read the requirements and any place or finishing-order terms.
- Add your selection. Choose your runner or combination.
- Enter your stake. Review the total cost and keep it within your planned budget.
- Review and confirm. Check the race, selections, bet type, odds and available return information before placing your bet.
- Check acceptance. Review your bet history to confirm that the bet has been accepted.
When are Horse Flat Racing bets settled?
Bets are settled according to the selected market's rules once the relevant result has been confirmed.
Check the displayed finishing result and your bet history for the status of an accepted bet. If an event is interrupted or settlement is delayed, refer to the applicable rules and help information.
Explore more virtual horse racing
Browse other virtual horse racing products and formats:
- 1-Minute Racing
- Dashing Derby
- Jumps Racing
- National Chase
- Steeple Chase Racing
- US Horse Racing
- Video Horses
For real-world meetings, racecards and available markets, visit our horse racing betting page.
Virtual sports promotions
Explore our Ladbrokes promotions and offers to check whether any current offers apply to Horse Flat Racing.
Before taking part, confirm whether your chosen product and betting market qualify. Read the terms for eligibility, qualifying stakes, minimum odds, deadlines and any restrictions.
Keep any promotional betting within your planned budget.
Responsible virtual horse racing betting
Set a budget before betting and only stake what you can afford to lose. Keep track of your total spend across races, including both parts of each-way bets and the cost of forecast or tricast combinations.
Avoid chasing losses or increasing your stake because of previous results. Take regular breaks and remember that you do not need to bet on every event.
If betting stops being enjoyable or staying within your limits becomes difficult, explore our safer gambling tools for support.
Please gamble responsibly.