What Does EW Mean In Horse Racing? Each Way Explained
If you’ve looked through a racecard or browsed a betting site, you’ve probably come across the abbreviation “EW.” It’s a common part of horse racing terminology, but not always explained clearly. So, what does it actually mean—and how does it work?
Getting to grips with this type of bet can open up new ways of approaching the sport, especially if you’re exploring alternatives beyond backing a single outcome.
In each section below, you can learn more about Each Way in horse racing.
EW Horse Racing Meaning
In horse racing, understanding an Each Way (EW) bet can seem a little unfamiliar at first, but the idea behind it is quite straightforward once you know how it’s structured. It’s essentially a two-part approach: you’re backing your horse to do well, but with more than one possible outcome in mind.
One part of the EW bet is based on the horse performing at the very top, while the other part gives some leeway, depending on how the race unfolds. The second part depends on your horse finishing within a certain range of positions—often among the first few across the line. How many places count can change from race to race.
This approach means that placing an EW bet will involve a higher stake overall—since you’re backing two outcomes at once. For example, a £5 EW bet means putting down £5 for each part, making a total stake of £10.
This type of wager can add more variety to your experience, offering more than one way to see a return if the result goes your way.
What Is Each Way In Horse Racing?
An EW bet is one of the more flexible types available in horse racing, offering a mix of possibilities within a single wager. If you place an EW bet, you’re essentially dividing your stake between two outcomes: one for your horse to win outright, and the other for it to finish among the top few positions.
These “places” can vary depending on how many runners are in the race. In a smaller field, it might only cover the first two or three positions. In a larger race, more placings might be included. The second part of your bet only pays out if your horse finishes within this range.
Let’s say you place a £5 EW bet. That’s actually two bets: £5 on the win, and £5 on the place, making £10 in total. If your horse finishes first, both parts could return a payout. If it finishes just behind the winner but within the designated places, you’ll only receive a payout on the place portion.
Winnings on the place element are calculated using a fraction of the original odds—commonly 1/4 or 1/5. So, the return is generally more modest than a straight win, but it still offers something if the top spot isn’t achieved.
It’s one way of broadening the outcome you’re backing, especially in races where the result isn’t easy to predict.
Each Way vs Win & Place Bets
There are different ways to approach a race, and EW betting is just one of several common formats. Others include straightforward Win bets and more focused Place bets.
Win Bet: A Win bet is exactly what it sounds like—you’re backing your horse to finish first. If it doesn’t, the bet doesn’t pay out. It’s direct and simple, but with fewer possible outcomes that count.
Place Bet: A Place bet is more focused than an EW bet, but doesn’t depend on your horse winning. You’re backing it to finish within a defined range, such as the top three or four, depending on the race details. The return is often more limited, but the horse doesn’t need to win outright.
EW Bet: An EW bet incorporates elements of both: a Win and a Place. It’s a two-part structure where each portion is treated as a separate bet. If the horse finishes first, both parts return. If it finishes just outside the top spot but still within the place range, only the place portion returns something.
This dual structure can appeal to those looking to engage with more varied possibilities in a race, particularly when the field is large or highly competitive. It allows you to back a strong contender, even if you’re not fully convinced it will take the top spot.
Are Each Way Bets Worth It?
Whether or not an EW bet aligns with what you’re aiming for can depend on how you approach a race and what kind of outcomes you’re willing to consider.
This type of bet is often used when the outcome feels uncertain, but you still want to support a horse you believe has a solid chance of finishing near the front. Even if it doesn’t win outright, finishing within the place range can still lead to a return—albeit one that’s calculated from a reduced portion of the original odds.
One thing to keep in mind is the structure of the race itself. Larger fields, or races with strong competition, might be situations where this type of bet feels more worthwhile, since more positions typically count in the place portion.
Ultimately, an EW bet provides a broader way to engage with the race—offering multiple possible outcomes and a way to stay invested throughout. It’s about understanding how you want to approach your selections and what sort of outcomes you’re prepared to support.
It’s important to keep in mind that, regardless of what bet you might choose to place, outcomes can never be predicted with certainty. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you’re willing to lose.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.