Horse racing has a uniquely strong culture in Ireland, and Irish bettors are among the most knowledgeable racing punters in the world. If you have faced stake restrictions on domestic sites after a winning run, or simply want tighter margins on Cheltenham and Irish festival markets, foreign bookmakers are the logical next step. This page covers the best options available to Irish players in 2026.
Why Irish Racing Bettors Use Foreign Sites
Racing bettors are among the most targeted by domestic bookmakers' restriction policies. Consistent winners on horses find accounts limited or closed faster than in almost any other market. Foreign bookmakers operating outside Irish domestic regulation simply do not operate this way — they welcome profitable customers because their model depends on volume and margins rather than restricting sharp money.
Beyond restrictions, the odds on major Irish festivals — Galway, Leopardstown, the Curragh Irish Derby — are often priced more competitively on international sites. This is particularly true in the ante-post markets, where foreign operators frequently offer better outright prices several weeks before race day.
What to Look For in a Horse Racing Bookmaker
Horse racing betting has specific requirements that not every foreign site meets equally well. Assess the following before registering:
Horse Racing Bookmaker Checklist
- Irish racing coverage — Curragh, Leopardstown, Galway, Fairyhouse, Punchestown
- UK racing — Cheltenham, Ascot, Newmarket, Epsom covered in full
- Each-way betting available (¼ or ⅕ odds, 2–5 places)
- Ante-post and futures markets for major festivals
- In-play racing markets (not all foreign sites offer this)
- No stake restrictions or gubbing policy
- Fast withdrawals — critical for active racing bettors
- EUR currency to avoid conversion fees
Ready to bet on international markets?
Betlabel offers Irish players competitive odds, fast EUR withdrawals, and a wide range of sports markets — with no account restrictions.
Visit Betlabel 18+ | Gambling involves risk | Play responsiblyHorse Racing Bookmaker Comparison 2026
Here is how the seven foreign bookmakers compare on horse racing coverage and key features for Irish players.
| Bookmaker | Irish Racing | Cheltenham | Each-Way | Ante-Post | No Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betlabel | Full coverage | Full coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MrXbet | Full coverage | Full coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maxibet Casino | Major meetings | Yes | Yes | Selective | Yes |
| 20bet | Full coverage | Full coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GranaWin | Major meetings | Yes | Yes | Selective | Yes |
| 22bet | Full coverage | Full coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vave | Selective | Major races | Yes | No | Yes |
Other source: Plus10Bonus
Best For Each Racing Profile
Different types of racing bettors have different priorities. Here are our recommendations by bettor profile.
Related Pages
- Best foreign betting sites for GAA — full sports cluster overview
- Betting sites with no gubbing policy — essential for serious racing bettors
- High limit betting sites — maximum stakes on racing markets
- Fastest withdrawal betting sites — get winnings quickly after a successful day
- Best foreign betting sites for Irish players — full overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foreign bookmakers accept each-way bets on horse racing?
Yes. All of the international bookmakers listed here accept each-way bets on horse racing, including Irish and UK fixtures. Terms vary by race type — typically 1/4 odds for place positions — and are clearly displayed when placing the bet.
Can Irish players bet on Cheltenham and the Galway Races with foreign sites?
Yes. Major Irish and UK festivals including Cheltenham, the Galway Races, the Curragh Irish Derby, and Leopardstown Christmas Racing are all covered by the foreign bookmakers on this list. Market depth is comparable to or better than domestic operators for flagship events.
Are the odds better on horse racing at foreign bookmakers?
It depends on the race. For major festivals, foreign bookmakers often match or beat Irish domestic prices. Where they tend to excel is on lower-profile races where domestic operators apply higher margins. Using a foreign site alongside a domestic one for price comparison is a common strategy among serious racing bettors.
Do foreign betting sites offer best odds guaranteed on horse racing?
Not all of them. Best odds guaranteed (BOG) is more common among Irish and UK licensed operators. However, some international sites do offer early price or SP options. Betlabel and MrXbet are the most competitive on ante-post and early price markets.