SP Horse Betting stands for
"Starting Price" betting - a fundamental concept in UK horse racing wagering.
What is SP?
The Starting Price is the final odds on a horse when the race begins, determined by the on-course bookmakers' odds at the racecourse. It represents the true market price after all betting activity is complete.
How SP Betting Works
- You back a horse without taking fixed odds
- Your winnings are calculated using the official SP declared after the race starts
- The SP is determined by a panel of course bookmakers and reflects the final market consensus
- SPs are published by the Racing Post and other official sources
Advantages of SP Betting
- Best Odds Guaranteed: Many bookmakers offer this, paying the higher of SP or the price you took
- True Market Value: SP often reflects the most accurate assessment of a horse's chances
- No Early Price Worry: You don't need to monitor odds fluctuations throughout the day
Where to Place SP Bets
All major UK bookmakers offer SP betting, including:
Most also offer "SP or Better" guarantees, ensuring you get the starting price or any better price you took when placing your bet.
SP betting is particularly popular for ante-post bets and when you want the final market price rather than early odds.