How Many Places in a Race?

A clear guide to each way place terms, standard bookmaker rules and when extra places apply

Learn More

Understanding Place Terms

The number of places bookmakers pay on a race depends mainly on two things: the number of runners and the type of race.

This is especially important if you are placing each way bets, because the place part of your bet only pays out if your horse finishes within the advertised places.

Standard each way terms usually follow long-established bookmaker rules, but these can vary in bigger races and during major meetings when firms offer enhanced place terms.

Understanding how many places are paid, and at what fraction of the odds, is one of the most important parts of betting each way properly.

As a general rule, the more runners there are in a race, the more places are paid.

But race type matters too. Handicaps and non-handicaps do not always follow the same place terms, and enhanced place offers can change things again.

Small Fields

  • 1 to 4 runners
  • No each way betting
  • Win-only market
  • No place terms paid
  • Very limited each way value

Standard Each Way Terms

  • 5 to 7 runners = 2 places
  • 8+ runners non-handicap = 3 places
  • 12 to 15 runner handicap = 3 places
  • 16+ runner handicap = 4 places
  • Usual fractions are 1/4 or 1/5 odds

Enhanced Places

  • Often available at big meetings
  • Common at Cheltenham, Royal Ascot and Aintree
  • Some firms pay 5, 6 or more places
  • Extra places can increase place value
  • Always check the exact bookmaker terms

Standard Each Way Rules

A race with 4 runners or fewer is normally a win-only market. There are no each way terms because there are not enough runners for bookmakers to offer a place part.

In races with 5 to 7 runners, bookmakers usually pay on the first 2 places, most commonly at 1/4 the odds.

In non-handicap races with 8 or more runners, standard place terms are generally the first 3 places, usually at 1/5 the odds.

In handicap races with 12 to 15 runners, the first 3 places are normally paid, usually at 1/4 the odds.

In handicap races with 16 or more runners, the first 4 places are generally paid, again usually at 1/4 the odds.

Extra Places and Modern Offers

Bookmakers now regularly offer enhanced place terms on selected races, especially at major festivals and high-profile meetings.

That means a race that would normally pay 4 places may sometimes pay 5, 6 or even more, depending on the bookmaker and the promotion being offered.

This can make a big difference to each way betting, especially in large-field handicaps where place value is often more attractive than trying to find the outright winner.

However, extra places do not always mean better value automatically. Sometimes enhanced place terms come with slightly reduced odds, so it is always worth comparing the market properly before placing your bet.

Each Way Rules At A Glance

1-4 Horses
Any Race Type
N/A
WIN ONLY
5-7 Horses
Any Race Type
1/4 of the Odds
1st & 2nd
8+ Horses
Non Handicap
1/5 of the Odds
1st, 2nd & 3rd
12-15 Horses
Handicap
1/4 of the Odds
1st, 2nd & 3rd
16+ Horses
Handicap
1/4 of the Odds
1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th

Know The Place Terms Before You Bet

Free Racing Tips