Now that we're through the worst of the cold snap, Friday 9 January 2026 is a busy one for UK horse racing featuring four meetings. Wolverhampton hosts afternoon all-weather Flat racing, while Huntingdon and Exeter provide National Hunt action throughout the day. The schedule concludes with evening Flat races under the lights at Southwell.
Today’s Horse Racing Betting Odds
Below you can find latest odds for the next race off at the four UK meetings on Friday.
Best Horse Racing Offers Today
Here are the best offers available for UK bettors on Friday January 9.
MORE: What are the biggest horse racing events in January 2026?
Best Free Bets for January 2026
Let’s look at a breakdown of the best free bets available in January 2026, as ante-post betting starts to heat up for the Cheltenham Festival in March.
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 | Paddy Power: Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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 | Sky Bet: Get £30 in Free Bets When You Place Any Bet | Claim Offer |
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 | Bet365: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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 | Betfair: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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 | Ladbrokes: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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 | Spreadex: Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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 | Virgin Bet: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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 | 10bet: Get 100% welcome bonus up to £50 | Claim Offer |
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 | BetVictor: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim Offer |
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Horse Racing FAQs
What is a NAP in horse racing?
A NAP is a tipster’s most confident selection. While a tipster may put forward several bets on a card, the NAP is the one they rate highest. Many punters use it as a quick guide or as the foundation of multiples, especially during major meetings like Cheltenham, Aintree or Royal Ascot.
Win vs each-way betting in horse racing
The difference between a win bet and an each-way bet is simple. A win bet pays out only if your horse finishes first. An each-way bet splits your stake into two: one part to win and one part to place. If the horse wins, both parts pay; if it only places, the place bet still returns. Each-way bets are popular in large handicaps.
What is an exacta bet in horse racing?
An exacta (or a forecast) requires you to correctly pick the first two horses in the right order. It is harder to land than a win or place bet, but usually offers bigger returns. Forecasts are commonly played via the Tote or on-course bookmakers.
What is a trifecta bet in horse racing?
A trifecta (or a tricast) involves predicting the first three finishers in the exact order. It is a high-difficulty bet with potentially large payouts. Combination tricasts allow multiple finishing orders but cost more to place.
EXPLAINED: How to bet in-play | Free betting games | Best sports to bet on
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026?
The Cheltenham Festival will run from Tuesday 10 March to Friday 13 March 2026. The four-day meeting is the centrepiece of the National Hunt season featuring headline races such as the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
When is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Aintree Grand National meeting takes place from 9 to 11 April, with the Grand National itself on Saturday 11 April. The race is run over more than four miles and is the most famous steeplechase in the world.
When is Royal Ascot 2026?
Royal Ascot 2026 is scheduled for 16 to 20 June. The five-day meeting features elite Flat racing, including the Ascot Gold Cup and Diamond Jubilee Stakes.