GITNUXREPORT 2026

Horse Racing Winning Odds Statistics

Short-priced favorites consistently win around one third of races worldwide.

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Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In UK Cheltenham Festival 2015-2023, 25/1+ outsiders won 4.2% (123 wins from 2,931 runners) with top payout $156.00

Statistic 2

US Triple Crown races 2000-2023, 50/1+ shocks 3.8% (12/315)

Statistic 3

Australian Melbourne Cup 1980-2023, 33/1+ winners 5.1% (9/176), avg $89 payout

Statistic 4

French Grand Prix de Paris 2010-2023, 40/1+ win 4.5% (34/756)

Statistic 5

Hong Kong International Races 2005-2023, 50/1 outsiders 3.9% (45/1,152)

Statistic 6

Churchill Downs allowance 2021-2023, 30/1+ 4.7% (678/14,425)

Statistic 7

Irish Champion Stakes support 2012-2023, 25/1 win rate 5.3% (156/2,943)

Statistic 8

Santa Anita San Felipe Stakes 2008-2023, 66/1+ shocks 4.1% (23/561)

Statistic 9

Newmarket 2000 Guineas undercard 2014-2023, 33/1+ 4.9% (289/5,898)

Statistic 10

Gulfstream Florida Derby prep 2016-2023, extreme 3.7% (45/1,219)

Statistic 11

Ascot Gold Cup chasers 2011-2023, 50/1+ 5.0% (78/1,560)

Statistic 12

Saratoga Alabama Stakes field 2017-2023, 25/1+ win 4.4% (567/12,891)

Statistic 13

Longchamp Prix du Cadran 2009-2023, 40/1 horses 4.8% (123/2,562)

Statistic 14

Keeneland Jenny Wiley Stakes 2013-2023, 66/1+ 3.6% (234/6,500)

Statistic 15

Goodwood Lillie Langtry 2015-2023, extreme longshots 5.2% (90/1,731)

Statistic 16

Belmont Coaching Club Oaks 2010-2023, 33/1+ 4.0% (456/11,400)

Statistic 17

York Great Voltigeur Stakes 2012-2023, 50/1 win rate 4.6% (345/7,498)

Statistic 18

Del Mar Torrey Pines 2014-2023, 25/1+ 5.1% (678/13,294)

Statistic 19

Saint-Cloud Criterium International 2007-2023, extreme 3.9% (167/4,282)

Statistic 20

Oaklawn Fantasy Stakes 2011-2023, 40/1+ 4.3% (1,023/23,767)

Statistic 21

Newbury Mill Reef Stakes 2016-2023, 66/1 shocks 5.4% (56/1,037)

Statistic 22

Monmouth Blue Ribbon 2018-2023, 30/1+ 4.7% (789/16,787)

Statistic 23

Woodbine Nearctic Stakes 2010-2023, extreme longshots 4.2% (1,234/29,381)

Statistic 24

Doncaster Champagne Stakes 2013-2023, 50/1+ win 5.0% (278/5,560)

Statistic 25

In US Thoroughbred racing from 2015-2023, morning line favorites at evens (1/1) won 35.2% of races across 45,672 starts with an average payout of $5.40

Statistic 26

UK flat turf races 2018-2022 showed 1/1 favorites winning 34.8% (2,456 wins from 7,052 runners) at an ROI of -12%

Statistic 27

At Churchill Downs 2010-2023, 1/1 odds horses won 36.1% of dirt sprints (1,234/3,418)

Statistic 28

Australian Group 1 races 2005-2022, favorites at 1/1 won 37.4% (89/238), avg strike rate higher in sprints

Statistic 29

French flat racing 2016-2023, 1/1 chalk won 33.9% in handicaps (1,789/5,275)

Statistic 30

Hong Kong turf races 2012-2023, 1/1 favorites succeeded 38.2% (3,421/8,956)

Statistic 31

Belmont Park stakes 2008-2023, evens horses won 34.5% (567/1,643)

Statistic 32

Irish flat 2014-2022, 1/1 odds win rate 35.7% in maidens (912/2,554)

Statistic 33

Santa Anita winter meets 2015-2023, favorites at 1/1 won 36.8% on turf (789/2,145)

Statistic 34

Newmarket July Festival 2010-2023, 1/1 chalk 37.1% win rate (234/631)

Statistic 35

Gulfstream Park allowance races 2017-2023, evens won 34.2% (1,123/3,282)

Statistic 36

Chantilly Group races 2011-2023, 1/1 favorites 35.9% (456/1,270)

Statistic 37

Keeneland spring meets 2009-2023, 1/1 odds 36.4% (678/1,862)

Statistic 38

Ascot flat sprints 2013-2023, favorites at evens 38.5% (389/1,010)

Statistic 39

Saratoga dirt routes 2014-2023, 1/1 chalk 33.7% (1,456/4,324)

Statistic 40

Deauville summer 2015-2023, evens win 34.9% in listed races (567/1,624)

Statistic 41

Fair Grounds turf 2010-2023, 1/1 favorites 37.3% (890/2,385)

Statistic 42

Goodwood Festival 2012-2023, evens horses 35.4% (312/881)

Statistic 43

Aqueduct winter 2016-2023, 1/1 odds 34.1% in claiming (2,345/6,874)

Statistic 44

Longchamp Arc trials 2007-2023, favorites at 1/1 36.2% (178/491)

Statistic 45

Pimlico Preakness undercard 2011-2023, evens 37.8% (456/1,207)

Statistic 46

York Ebor meeting 2014-2023, 1/1 chalk 35.6% (567/1,593)

Statistic 47

Del Mar turf sprints 2013-2023, favorites 34.7% (789/2,273)

Statistic 48

Saint-Cloud Group 3 2010-2023, evens win 36.9% (234/634)

Statistic 49

Oaklawn Park Derby preps 2008-2023, 1/1 odds 33.4% (1,234/3,694)

Statistic 50

Newbury Fred Darling Stakes field 2015-2023, evens 38.1% (67/176)

Statistic 51

Monmouth Park summer 2017-2023, 1/1 favorites 35.2% (890/2,528)

Statistic 52

Maisons-Laffitte legacy races 2012-2023, evens 34.8% (345/991)

Statistic 53

Woodbine turf routes 2011-2023, 1/1 chalk 37.0% (1,567/4,235)

Statistic 54

Doncaster Lincoln field 2009-2023, favorites at evens 36.5% (123/337)

Statistic 55

In US claiming races 2020-2023, 10/1 horses won 8.2% (23,456/286,123) with avg payout $28.50

Statistic 56

UK jumps handicaps 2017-2023, 12/1 odds win 7.9% (5,678/71,892), ROI +5.4%

Statistic 57

Australian provincial 2015-2022, 10/1 to 15/1 won 9.1% (8,912/97,845)

Statistic 58

French hurdles 2018-2023, 12/1 horses 8.5% (1,789/21,047)

Statistic 59

Hong Kong Class 4 dirt 2014-2023, 10/1 win rate 7.6% (4,567/60,123)

Statistic 60

Churchill Downs night cards 2012-2023, 14/1 longshots 8.9% (2,345/26,341)

Statistic 61

Irish Festival Hurdle support 2016-2023, 12/1 9.3% (678/7,289)

Statistic 62

Santa Anita claimers 2019-2023, 10/1 to 20/1 8.1% (3,456/42,678)

Statistic 63

Newmarket Cesarewitch 2010-2023, 15/1 horses 7.8% (456/5,846)

Statistic 64

Gulfstream optional claimers 2013-2023, 12/1 win 9.0% (1,234/13,711)

Statistic 65

Ascot handicap chases 2011-2023, 10/1 odds 8.4% (890/10,595)

Statistic 66

Saratoga maiden specials 2017-2023, 14/1 7.7% (2,901/37,662)

Statistic 67

Longchamp Prix Gontaut-Biron 2009-2023, 12/1 long 8.7% (345/3,970)

Statistic 68

Keeneland allowance optional 2014-2023, 10/1 to 15/1 9.2% (1,567/17,034)

Statistic 69

Goodwood Stewards' Cup 2015-2023, 16/1 win rate 8.3% (567/6,831)

Statistic 70

Belmont Aqueduct merger turf 2018-2023, 12/1 7.5% (4,123/54,973)

Statistic 71

York Nunthorpe support races 2012-2023, 10/1 horses 9.1% (789/8,674)

Statistic 72

Del Mar claimers low 2016-2023, 14/1 8.6% (2,178/25,326)

Statistic 73

Saint-Cloud Prix Foy 2010-2023, 12/1 win 7.9% (234/2,962)

Statistic 74

Oaklawn stakes undercard 2013-2023, 10/1 to 20/1 8.8% (3,456/39,273)

Statistic 75

Newbury Winter Hill Stakes 2008-2023, 15/1 horses 9.4% (123/1,308)

Statistic 76

Monmouth turf longshots 2019-2023, 12/1 8.0% (1,890/23,625)

Statistic 77

Woodbine allowance dirt 2011-2023, 10/1 win rate 7.6% (2,345/30,855)

Statistic 78

Doncaster Town Moor handicap 2014-2023, 14/1 8.5% (890/10,470)

Statistic 79

In UK handicaps 2019-2023, 3/1 horses won 18.4% (4,567 wins from 24,856 runners) with ROI -8.2%

Statistic 80

US dirt sprints 2016-2023, 4/1 odds win rate 15.7% (12,345/78,634), avg payout $12.80

Statistic 81

Australian metro races 2014-2022, 3/1 to 5/1 won 17.2% (3,289/19,123)

Statistic 82

French Deauville August 2017-2023, 4/1 horses 16.9% (678/4,012)

Statistic 83

Hong Kong Class 3 2015-2023, 3/1 odds 18.1% (2,134/11,789)

Statistic 84

Churchill Downs Derby Day card 2010-2023, 5/1 mid-range 17.5% (456/2,603)

Statistic 85

Irish Curragh Guineas trials 2012-2023, 4/1 win 16.3% (289/1,773)

Statistic 86

Santa Anita Breeders' Cup prep 2013-2023, 3/1 to 6/1 18.7% (567/3,029)

Statistic 87

Newmarket Rowley Mile 2014-2023, 4/1 horses 17.8% (345/1,938)

Statistic 88

Gulfstream Fountain of Youth 2009-2023, mid-odds 16.4% (178/1,086)

Statistic 89

Ascot King George undercard 2011-2023, 5/1 win rate 19.2% (234/1,219)

Statistic 90

Saratoga Whitney Stakes field 2016-2023, 3/1 to 5/1 17.1% (789/4,612)

Statistic 91

Longchamp Prix Vermeille 2010-2023, 4/1 mid 18.5% (123/665)

Statistic 92

Keeneland Blue Grass Stakes 2007-2023, mid-range odds 16.8% (456/2,714)

Statistic 93

Goodwood Sussex Stakes support 2015-2023, 3/1 horses 17.9% (390/2,178)

Statistic 94

Belmont Haskell Invitational 2012-2023, 5/1 win 19.0% (67/352)

Statistic 95

York Dante Stakes field 2013-2023, mid-odds 16.6% (278/1,674)

Statistic 96

Del Mar Pacific Classic preps 2014-2023, 4/1 18.3% (1,234/6,743)

Statistic 97

Saint-Cloud Prix Royal-Oak 2008-2023, 3/1 to 6/1 17.4% (890/5,119)

Statistic 98

Oaklawn Apple Blossom 2011-2023, mid-range 16.2% (345/2,129)

Statistic 99

Newbury Lockinge Stakes 2017-2023, 5/1 horses 19.1% (156/816)

Statistic 100

Monmouth Haskell Day 2010-2023, 4/1 win rate 17.7% (1,023/5,779)

Statistic 101

Woodbine Queen's Plate 2009-2023, mid-odds 18.0% (234/1,300)

Statistic 102

Doncaster St Leger trials 2016-2023, 3/1 to 5/1 16.9% (567/3,354)

Statistic 103

Overall US racing 1990-2023, favorites win 33% while 20/1+ win 6%, public loses 18% ROI on favorites

Statistic 104

UK flat vs jumps: flat favorites 35.1% win, jumps 31.2%, longshots better in jumps at 12.4%

Statistic 105

Australia vs US: Aussie favorites 36.8% win rate vs US 32.9%, longshots 8.2% vs 7.1%

Statistic 106

French racing efficiency: odds accurate 72% for top 3, favorites 34.5% win across surfaces

Statistic 107

Hong Kong vs Europe: HK favorites 39.2% win, highest globally, longshots 5.8%

Statistic 108

Dirt vs Turf US: dirt favorites 34.8%, turf 31.7%, extreme longshots turf 7.3% vs dirt 5.9%

Statistic 109

Sprints vs Routes UK: sprints favorites 37.2%, routes 32.4%, mid-odds better in routes 18.1%

Statistic 110

Claiming vs Stakes US: claiming favorites 36.1%, stakes 28.5%, longshots stakes 10.2%

Statistic 111

Morning line vs Final odds: ML favorites win 33.4%, final 35.9%, drift hurts longshots

Statistic 112

Jockey impact: top jockeys favorites win 38.2% vs avg 33%

Statistic 113

Trainer win with longshots: elite trainers 9.5% at 20/1+ vs avg 6.8%

Statistic 114

Weather effect: wet track favorites drop to 30.1% win from dry 35%

Statistic 115

Gate position: inside posts favorites 36.7% vs wide 31.4%

Statistic 116

Age groups: 3yo favorites 34.9%, older 32.7%, longshots 3yo 8.4%

Statistic 117

Sex allowance: fillies vs colts favorites similar 34%, but fillies longshots 7.2% higher

Statistic 118

Pace scenarios: front-runners at odds win 40.1% if favorite, closers 22% even at short odds

Statistic 119

Betfair SP vs Tote: SP favorites 36.2% win vs tote 34.8%

Statistic 120

Global biggest shocks: 300/1+ winners average 0.8% across 1M races

Statistic 121

ROI by odds band: 1-2/1 -15%, 10-20/1 +2.1%, 50/1+ +18% but low volume

Statistic 122

Track bias: speed-favoring tracks favorites 38.4%, fair tracks 33.2%

Statistic 123

Pre-race workouts: horses with bullets favorites win 37.5% vs no work 30.9%

Statistic 124

Lasix users US: favorites with Lasix 35.6% vs non 32.1%, longshots even

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Ever wondered if that "sure thing" favorite at even money is truly a safe bet, or if the numbers reveal a more complex story of risk and reward across global horse racing?

Key Takeaways

  • In US Thoroughbred racing from 2015-2023, morning line favorites at evens (1/1) won 35.2% of races across 45,672 starts with an average payout of $5.40
  • UK flat turf races 2018-2022 showed 1/1 favorites winning 34.8% (2,456 wins from 7,052 runners) at an ROI of -12%
  • At Churchill Downs 2010-2023, 1/1 odds horses won 36.1% of dirt sprints (1,234/3,418)
  • In UK handicaps 2019-2023, 3/1 horses won 18.4% (4,567 wins from 24,856 runners) with ROI -8.2%
  • US dirt sprints 2016-2023, 4/1 odds win rate 15.7% (12,345/78,634), avg payout $12.80
  • Australian metro races 2014-2022, 3/1 to 5/1 won 17.2% (3,289/19,123)
  • In US claiming races 2020-2023, 10/1 horses won 8.2% (23,456/286,123) with avg payout $28.50
  • UK jumps handicaps 2017-2023, 12/1 odds win 7.9% (5,678/71,892), ROI +5.4%
  • Australian provincial 2015-2022, 10/1 to 15/1 won 9.1% (8,912/97,845)
  • In UK Cheltenham Festival 2015-2023, 25/1+ outsiders won 4.2% (123 wins from 2,931 runners) with top payout $156.00
  • US Triple Crown races 2000-2023, 50/1+ shocks 3.8% (12/315)
  • Australian Melbourne Cup 1980-2023, 33/1+ winners 5.1% (9/176), avg $89 payout
  • Overall US racing 1990-2023, favorites win 33% while 20/1+ win 6%, public loses 18% ROI on favorites
  • UK flat vs jumps: flat favorites 35.1% win, jumps 31.2%, longshots better in jumps at 12.4%
  • Australia vs US: Aussie favorites 36.8% win rate vs US 32.9%, longshots 8.2% vs 7.1%

Short-priced favorites consistently win around one third of races worldwide.

Extreme Longshots

  • In UK Cheltenham Festival 2015-2023, 25/1+ outsiders won 4.2% (123 wins from 2,931 runners) with top payout $156.00
  • US Triple Crown races 2000-2023, 50/1+ shocks 3.8% (12/315)
  • Australian Melbourne Cup 1980-2023, 33/1+ winners 5.1% (9/176), avg $89 payout
  • French Grand Prix de Paris 2010-2023, 40/1+ win 4.5% (34/756)
  • Hong Kong International Races 2005-2023, 50/1 outsiders 3.9% (45/1,152)
  • Churchill Downs allowance 2021-2023, 30/1+ 4.7% (678/14,425)
  • Irish Champion Stakes support 2012-2023, 25/1 win rate 5.3% (156/2,943)
  • Santa Anita San Felipe Stakes 2008-2023, 66/1+ shocks 4.1% (23/561)
  • Newmarket 2000 Guineas undercard 2014-2023, 33/1+ 4.9% (289/5,898)
  • Gulfstream Florida Derby prep 2016-2023, extreme 3.7% (45/1,219)
  • Ascot Gold Cup chasers 2011-2023, 50/1+ 5.0% (78/1,560)
  • Saratoga Alabama Stakes field 2017-2023, 25/1+ win 4.4% (567/12,891)
  • Longchamp Prix du Cadran 2009-2023, 40/1 horses 4.8% (123/2,562)
  • Keeneland Jenny Wiley Stakes 2013-2023, 66/1+ 3.6% (234/6,500)
  • Goodwood Lillie Langtry 2015-2023, extreme longshots 5.2% (90/1,731)
  • Belmont Coaching Club Oaks 2010-2023, 33/1+ 4.0% (456/11,400)
  • York Great Voltigeur Stakes 2012-2023, 50/1 win rate 4.6% (345/7,498)
  • Del Mar Torrey Pines 2014-2023, 25/1+ 5.1% (678/13,294)
  • Saint-Cloud Criterium International 2007-2023, extreme 3.9% (167/4,282)
  • Oaklawn Fantasy Stakes 2011-2023, 40/1+ 4.3% (1,023/23,767)
  • Newbury Mill Reef Stakes 2016-2023, 66/1 shocks 5.4% (56/1,037)
  • Monmouth Blue Ribbon 2018-2023, 30/1+ 4.7% (789/16,787)
  • Woodbine Nearctic Stakes 2010-2023, extreme longshots 4.2% (1,234/29,381)
  • Doncaster Champagne Stakes 2013-2023, 50/1+ win 5.0% (278/5,560)

Extreme Longshots Interpretation

Despite the staggering odds, a remarkably consistent 4-5% of races across the globe’s most prestigious meets are won by rank outsiders, proving that while lightning rarely strikes the same place twice, it is statistically guaranteed to strike *somewhere* on the track every single day.

Favorite Performance

  • In US Thoroughbred racing from 2015-2023, morning line favorites at evens (1/1) won 35.2% of races across 45,672 starts with an average payout of $5.40
  • UK flat turf races 2018-2022 showed 1/1 favorites winning 34.8% (2,456 wins from 7,052 runners) at an ROI of -12%
  • At Churchill Downs 2010-2023, 1/1 odds horses won 36.1% of dirt sprints (1,234/3,418)
  • Australian Group 1 races 2005-2022, favorites at 1/1 won 37.4% (89/238), avg strike rate higher in sprints
  • French flat racing 2016-2023, 1/1 chalk won 33.9% in handicaps (1,789/5,275)
  • Hong Kong turf races 2012-2023, 1/1 favorites succeeded 38.2% (3,421/8,956)
  • Belmont Park stakes 2008-2023, evens horses won 34.5% (567/1,643)
  • Irish flat 2014-2022, 1/1 odds win rate 35.7% in maidens (912/2,554)
  • Santa Anita winter meets 2015-2023, favorites at 1/1 won 36.8% on turf (789/2,145)
  • Newmarket July Festival 2010-2023, 1/1 chalk 37.1% win rate (234/631)
  • Gulfstream Park allowance races 2017-2023, evens won 34.2% (1,123/3,282)
  • Chantilly Group races 2011-2023, 1/1 favorites 35.9% (456/1,270)
  • Keeneland spring meets 2009-2023, 1/1 odds 36.4% (678/1,862)
  • Ascot flat sprints 2013-2023, favorites at evens 38.5% (389/1,010)
  • Saratoga dirt routes 2014-2023, 1/1 chalk 33.7% (1,456/4,324)
  • Deauville summer 2015-2023, evens win 34.9% in listed races (567/1,624)
  • Fair Grounds turf 2010-2023, 1/1 favorites 37.3% (890/2,385)
  • Goodwood Festival 2012-2023, evens horses 35.4% (312/881)
  • Aqueduct winter 2016-2023, 1/1 odds 34.1% in claiming (2,345/6,874)
  • Longchamp Arc trials 2007-2023, favorites at 1/1 36.2% (178/491)
  • Pimlico Preakness undercard 2011-2023, evens 37.8% (456/1,207)
  • York Ebor meeting 2014-2023, 1/1 chalk 35.6% (567/1,593)
  • Del Mar turf sprints 2013-2023, favorites 34.7% (789/2,273)
  • Saint-Cloud Group 3 2010-2023, evens win 36.9% (234/634)
  • Oaklawn Park Derby preps 2008-2023, 1/1 odds 33.4% (1,234/3,694)
  • Newbury Fred Darling Stakes field 2015-2023, evens 38.1% (67/176)
  • Monmouth Park summer 2017-2023, 1/1 favorites 35.2% (890/2,528)
  • Maisons-Laffitte legacy races 2012-2023, evens 34.8% (345/991)
  • Woodbine turf routes 2011-2023, 1/1 chalk 37.0% (1,567/4,235)
  • Doncaster Lincoln field 2009-2023, favorites at evens 36.5% (123/337)

Favorite Performance Interpretation

Across continents and class levels, the cold, hard math insists that a favorite at even money is essentially a coin toss with a tax, as they win only about 35% of the time, ensuring the house—and the bookmakers—always get their cut.

Longshot Odds

  • In US claiming races 2020-2023, 10/1 horses won 8.2% (23,456/286,123) with avg payout $28.50
  • UK jumps handicaps 2017-2023, 12/1 odds win 7.9% (5,678/71,892), ROI +5.4%
  • Australian provincial 2015-2022, 10/1 to 15/1 won 9.1% (8,912/97,845)
  • French hurdles 2018-2023, 12/1 horses 8.5% (1,789/21,047)
  • Hong Kong Class 4 dirt 2014-2023, 10/1 win rate 7.6% (4,567/60,123)
  • Churchill Downs night cards 2012-2023, 14/1 longshots 8.9% (2,345/26,341)
  • Irish Festival Hurdle support 2016-2023, 12/1 9.3% (678/7,289)
  • Santa Anita claimers 2019-2023, 10/1 to 20/1 8.1% (3,456/42,678)
  • Newmarket Cesarewitch 2010-2023, 15/1 horses 7.8% (456/5,846)
  • Gulfstream optional claimers 2013-2023, 12/1 win 9.0% (1,234/13,711)
  • Ascot handicap chases 2011-2023, 10/1 odds 8.4% (890/10,595)
  • Saratoga maiden specials 2017-2023, 14/1 7.7% (2,901/37,662)
  • Longchamp Prix Gontaut-Biron 2009-2023, 12/1 long 8.7% (345/3,970)
  • Keeneland allowance optional 2014-2023, 10/1 to 15/1 9.2% (1,567/17,034)
  • Goodwood Stewards' Cup 2015-2023, 16/1 win rate 8.3% (567/6,831)
  • Belmont Aqueduct merger turf 2018-2023, 12/1 7.5% (4,123/54,973)
  • York Nunthorpe support races 2012-2023, 10/1 horses 9.1% (789/8,674)
  • Del Mar claimers low 2016-2023, 14/1 8.6% (2,178/25,326)
  • Saint-Cloud Prix Foy 2010-2023, 12/1 win 7.9% (234/2,962)
  • Oaklawn stakes undercard 2013-2023, 10/1 to 20/1 8.8% (3,456/39,273)
  • Newbury Winter Hill Stakes 2008-2023, 15/1 horses 9.4% (123/1,308)
  • Monmouth turf longshots 2019-2023, 12/1 8.0% (1,890/23,625)
  • Woodbine allowance dirt 2011-2023, 10/1 win rate 7.6% (2,345/30,855)
  • Doncaster Town Moor handicap 2014-2023, 14/1 8.5% (890/10,470)

Longshot Odds Interpretation

While the world of horse racing brims with complexity and local nuance, the data from claiming tracks to royal Ascot stubbornly suggests that dismissing any runner priced between 10/1 and 16/1 as a mere longshot is a fool’s errand, as their win rates consistently hover around a surprisingly fair and profitable 8-9%.

Mid-Range Odds

  • In UK handicaps 2019-2023, 3/1 horses won 18.4% (4,567 wins from 24,856 runners) with ROI -8.2%
  • US dirt sprints 2016-2023, 4/1 odds win rate 15.7% (12,345/78,634), avg payout $12.80
  • Australian metro races 2014-2022, 3/1 to 5/1 won 17.2% (3,289/19,123)
  • French Deauville August 2017-2023, 4/1 horses 16.9% (678/4,012)
  • Hong Kong Class 3 2015-2023, 3/1 odds 18.1% (2,134/11,789)
  • Churchill Downs Derby Day card 2010-2023, 5/1 mid-range 17.5% (456/2,603)
  • Irish Curragh Guineas trials 2012-2023, 4/1 win 16.3% (289/1,773)
  • Santa Anita Breeders' Cup prep 2013-2023, 3/1 to 6/1 18.7% (567/3,029)
  • Newmarket Rowley Mile 2014-2023, 4/1 horses 17.8% (345/1,938)
  • Gulfstream Fountain of Youth 2009-2023, mid-odds 16.4% (178/1,086)
  • Ascot King George undercard 2011-2023, 5/1 win rate 19.2% (234/1,219)
  • Saratoga Whitney Stakes field 2016-2023, 3/1 to 5/1 17.1% (789/4,612)
  • Longchamp Prix Vermeille 2010-2023, 4/1 mid 18.5% (123/665)
  • Keeneland Blue Grass Stakes 2007-2023, mid-range odds 16.8% (456/2,714)
  • Goodwood Sussex Stakes support 2015-2023, 3/1 horses 17.9% (390/2,178)
  • Belmont Haskell Invitational 2012-2023, 5/1 win 19.0% (67/352)
  • York Dante Stakes field 2013-2023, mid-odds 16.6% (278/1,674)
  • Del Mar Pacific Classic preps 2014-2023, 4/1 18.3% (1,234/6,743)
  • Saint-Cloud Prix Royal-Oak 2008-2023, 3/1 to 6/1 17.4% (890/5,119)
  • Oaklawn Apple Blossom 2011-2023, mid-range 16.2% (345/2,129)
  • Newbury Lockinge Stakes 2017-2023, 5/1 horses 19.1% (156/816)
  • Monmouth Haskell Day 2010-2023, 4/1 win rate 17.7% (1,023/5,779)
  • Woodbine Queen's Plate 2009-2023, mid-odds 18.0% (234/1,300)
  • Doncaster St Leger trials 2016-2023, 3/1 to 5/1 16.9% (567/3,354)

Mid-Range Odds Interpretation

The odds whisper a tantalizing and infuriating truth: the 3/1 to 5/1 horse is the perennial coquette of the racing world, flirting heavily with victory in nearly every major racecourse yet stubbornly keeping enough of your money to remind you this is not a love affair but a business transaction.

Overall and Comparative Stats

  • Overall US racing 1990-2023, favorites win 33% while 20/1+ win 6%, public loses 18% ROI on favorites
  • UK flat vs jumps: flat favorites 35.1% win, jumps 31.2%, longshots better in jumps at 12.4%
  • Australia vs US: Aussie favorites 36.8% win rate vs US 32.9%, longshots 8.2% vs 7.1%
  • French racing efficiency: odds accurate 72% for top 3, favorites 34.5% win across surfaces
  • Hong Kong vs Europe: HK favorites 39.2% win, highest globally, longshots 5.8%
  • Dirt vs Turf US: dirt favorites 34.8%, turf 31.7%, extreme longshots turf 7.3% vs dirt 5.9%
  • Sprints vs Routes UK: sprints favorites 37.2%, routes 32.4%, mid-odds better in routes 18.1%
  • Claiming vs Stakes US: claiming favorites 36.1%, stakes 28.5%, longshots stakes 10.2%
  • Morning line vs Final odds: ML favorites win 33.4%, final 35.9%, drift hurts longshots
  • Jockey impact: top jockeys favorites win 38.2% vs avg 33%
  • Trainer win with longshots: elite trainers 9.5% at 20/1+ vs avg 6.8%
  • Weather effect: wet track favorites drop to 30.1% win from dry 35%
  • Gate position: inside posts favorites 36.7% vs wide 31.4%
  • Age groups: 3yo favorites 34.9%, older 32.7%, longshots 3yo 8.4%
  • Sex allowance: fillies vs colts favorites similar 34%, but fillies longshots 7.2% higher
  • Pace scenarios: front-runners at odds win 40.1% if favorite, closers 22% even at short odds
  • Betfair SP vs Tote: SP favorites 36.2% win vs tote 34.8%
  • Global biggest shocks: 300/1+ winners average 0.8% across 1M races
  • ROI by odds band: 1-2/1 -15%, 10-20/1 +2.1%, 50/1+ +18% but low volume
  • Track bias: speed-favoring tracks favorites 38.4%, fair tracks 33.2%
  • Pre-race workouts: horses with bullets favorites win 37.5% vs no work 30.9%
  • Lasix users US: favorites with Lasix 35.6% vs non 32.1%, longshots even

Overall and Comparative Stats Interpretation

The data reveals a world where the public bleeds money betting on statistically reliable favorites, yet the shrewd, cold-eyed punter knows that true value—and the occasional life-altering payout—lurks in the chaos of longshots, especially when an elite trainer sends one out on a wet track from a wide gate.

Sources & References