HOW TO PUT A BET ON. . .

YOU can place your bet in a betting shop, online or by phone by opening an account.

THERE is no minimum stake in shops or online but bookies generally impose one for phone bets.

YOU can back a horse to win or be placed. If you bet eachway, your stake is doubled because of the two parts to your bet. Placed horses are paid out a fraction of the odds (a quarter or fifth depending on your bookmaker’s terms).

WATCH out for offers, especially for new accounts. Some bookies will pay on the first five or even the first six.

TAKE the price when you place a bet. Prices can be shorter closer to the race.

SPREAD your risk. You have more chance with a small amount on a few runners rather than lumping on one.