Trotting

Trotting Betting at VivatBet

Trotting, or harness racing, might not grab the same headlines as the Galway Races or the Irish Derby, but make no mistake – it has a dedicated and passionate following across Ireland and Europe. If you’ve never tried a flutter on the trotters, you might be missing out on some excellent betting opportunities.

What is Trotting?

Unlike traditional horse racing where jockeys ride on the horse’s back, trotting involves a driver sitting in a lightweight two-wheeled cart called a sulky. The horses compete at a specific gait – either a trot (diagonal legs moving together) or a pace (lateral legs moving together). Breaking into a gallop results in disqualification, which adds an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability to each race.

Popular Trotting Venues

While trotting is massive in France, Scandinavia, and Italy, Irish and UK fans have plenty of action to follow. Top tracks include:

• Vincennes (Paris) – Home to the world-famous Prix d’Amérique, the “Arc de Triomphe” of trotting
• Meadowlands (USA) – The Hambletonian, North America’s premier trotting event
• Solvalla (Sweden) – Host of the Elitloppet, a sprint for the very best
• Aby (Sweden) – Home of the Åby Stora Pris

Many Irish punters follow these European meetings closely, especially when big-name French or Swedish drivers are in the sulky.

Trotting Betting Markets at VivatBet

We offer a solid range of trotting markets on major meetings:

Win/Place (Each-Way): The classic – back your horse to finish first or in the places.

Forecast & Tricast: Predict the exact order of the top two or three finishers. With smaller fields often under 12 runners, these can be more manageable than in flat racing.

Quartet & Quintet: For the serious punter. Name the first four or five horses home in exact order. Hard to land, but the payouts can be enormous.

Match Bets: Head-to-head between two selected horses or drivers.

Race Winner Only: Simple and direct – pick the winner.

Key Differences from Flat Racing

The Draw Matters More. In trotting, the starting position (the draw) is often a bigger factor than in flat racing. Some tracks are notoriously biased toward inside or outside draws, so always check the stats.

Pacing and Breaking Risks. A horse that breaks its stride (goes into a gallop) can be disqualified or lose valuable ground. This makes form study even more critical – some horses have a reputation for being “gaunt” (unreliable).

Driver Form. The driver is as important as the jockey in horse racing, sometimes more so. Top drivers like Björn Goop (Sweden) or Franck Nivard (France) have a massive impact on a horse’s chances.

Tips for Trotting Betting

Follow French Racing Closely. The Prix d’Amérique meeting at Vincennes in late January is the highlight of the trotting calendar. Form from the lead-up races (the “B” races) is usually a strong indicator.

Watch the Warm-Up. In trotting, you can often see how a horse is moving before the race. A horse that looks agitated or is breaking in the warm-up might be worth avoiding.

Consider the Distance. Some trotters are specialists at short distances (2100m), while others need 3000m+ to show their best. Check the horse’s win record at today’s trip.

Don’t Ignore the Irish. Irish-bred trotters are increasingly competitive on the continent. Keep an eye on the breeding lines – you might spot a value outsider with local connections.

Common Questions About Trotting Betting

Do you offer trotting betting at VivatBet?
Yes, we cover all major trotting meetings, including the Prix d’Amérique, Elitloppet, and Hambletonian, plus daily racing from France and Scandinavia.

How do I read trotting odds?
Same as any horse racing – fractional odds (e.g., 5/1, 10/1) showing potential profit relative to your stake. We also offer each-way terms that vary by race size.

Is trotting betting legal in Ireland?
Absolutely. VivatBet is fully licensed and regulated, and trotting betting is treated the same as any other form of horse racing.

Why should I bet on trotting?
Honestly? Because the markets can be less efficient. With fewer casual punters involved, there’s often genuine value to be found if you do your homework. And the racing itself is fascinating – tactical, unpredictable, and full of character.

So next time you see a race from Vincennes or Solvalla in our schedule, don’t scroll past. Give the trotters a chance – you might just find your new favourite betting market.