Horse Racing

Similar to boxing, horse racing is one of the longest standing, sports gambling events. Not to disparage the athletic pursuits of the jocks competing, but horse racing as a sport comes hand in hand with horse racing as an avenue for betting.

Horse racing falls under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM). A government body reporting directly to the office of the president. As such, they adhere to the rules and regulations set forth and work within them as they engage in their operations.

 

Where can I go to watch a horse race?

Currently, the three most well-known tracks around the metro are Metro Manila Turf club in Malvar, Batangas; San Lazaro Leisure and Business park operated by the Manila Jockey Club, inc over at Carmona, Cavite; and lastly Santa Ana Park (a.k.a Saddles and Clubs Leisure Park)operated by Circuit Makati over at Naic, Cavite.

How do I bet?

There are two ways for you to make a bet on a horse race. The most obvious way is to go to the racing venue and place your bets at the teller booth. A second option is to place bets in off-track betting stations, each municipality in Metro Manila has two or more. The third option is to make arrangements for telebet, which is basically betting through a phone operator.

In order to make an account for telebet use, you can check the specifics of the club or track you want to be affiliated with and follow their instructions. Typically it involves filling out a form, presenting identification, and making an initial deposit into your account.

What types of bets can I make?

Betting on horses can be quite overwhelming to beginners. There are a lot of different types of bets that can be made aside from the primary version of selecting the winner of a race. Here is a quick list of what types of bets are made in an average horse racing club (the abbreviations are the codes used in betting):

Per race

1. Win – Selecting the first place in a specific race.
2. Place (PLC) – Selecting a horse to be first, second, or third in a designated race.
3. Forecast (FC) – Selecting BOTH the first and second place winners, in the right order, in a designated race.
4. Trifecta (TRI) – Selecting the first, second, and third placers in the correct order in a designated race.
5. Quartet (QRT) – Selecting the first, second, third, and fourth placers in the correct order in a designated race
6. Pentafecta (PEN) – Selecting the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth placers in the correct order in a designated race
7. Supersix (SIX) – Selecting the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth placers in the correct order in a designated race

Pool bet in more than one race

1. Daily Double (DD) –  Selecting the winner of two consecutive races.
2. Extra Double (XD) – Selecting the winning horses in two non-consecutive races.
3. Daily Double + 1 (DD1) – Selecting the winners of three consecutive races.
4. Pick 5 (PK5) – Selecting the winners of five consecutive races.
5. Pick 6 (PK6) – Selecting the winners of six consecutive races.
6. Super Pick 6 (SP6) – Selecting the winners of six consecutive races with a minimum investment of Php 5.00.
7. Winner Take All (WTA) – Selecting the winners of seven consecutive races.

A horse racing club may also offer variations of their own on special occasions or as a promotion. This of course must be in keeping with rules set forth by PHILRACOM or with their authorization.

How do I collect my winnings?

Once you place your bet, the respective teller gives you a ticket which you must present when you are claiming your prize. If you placed a bet through telebet, your winnings are automatically credited to your account. The particulars on how to withdraw money from your telebet account vary from club to club.