Select your state
Racebooks
Sportsbooks
Stats
Predictor
Tools
Events
Guides AmWager — Get $50Promo Code AMWAGER · New customers 21+ only

21+ and present in eligible US states. New customers only. Offer terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Select your region
USCAUKIEDKSE
Home › Guides › Racing Terms

What does “SP” mean in horse racing betting?

Mike BrunkerMB
Horse Betting Expert · former Las Vegas Review-Journal racing writer
Updated October 2026 · 2 min read   𝕏inRJ
Horse racing journalist and handicapper who covered the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont and Breeders’ Cup for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
HORSE BETTING GUIDE · RACING TERMS
Reviewed by the Horse.bet Team
SP” meanHORSE RACING EXPLAINEDIN SHORTIn horse racing, SP is an abbreviation that standsfor “starting price” and indicates how thelinemaker who sets the odds expects the public tobet.GOOD TO KNOWThe abbreviation is generally used in the U.K.horse.bet — betting guides
What does “SP” mean in horse racing betting? — explained: In horse racing, SP is an abbreviation that stands for “starting price” and indicates how the linemaker who sets the odds expects the public to bet.

In horse racing, SP is an abbreviation that stands for “starting price” and indicates how the linemaker who sets the odds expects the public to bet.

The abbreviation is generally used in the U.K. and Europe, as handicappers in the U.S. generally refer to the starting price as the “morning line odds.”

★ Our top-rated US racebook
AmWager — 100% deposit match up to $50
Promo Code AMWAGER · 21+ · New US customers only. Terms apply. 1-800-GAMBLER.
Visit AmWager →
★ Our top-rated UK bookmaker
bet365 — Bet £10 Get £30 in Bet Credits
Promo Code 365GMBLR · 18+ · New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. #ad · GambleAware.org
Significant terms

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5* or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30* in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. To release your Bet Credits for use, you must place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit (capped at £10*) and they must settle within 30 days of claiming the offer. Only qualifying bets placed and settled after claiming the offer will count towards this requirement. PayPal, paysafecard and all other prepaid credit and debit cards, where available, cannot be used for either your qualifying deposit or any subsequent withdrawal of returns from Bet Credits stakes unless we have successfully verified an accepted form of your Identity Documents and you have entered a Postal Verification Code (PVC), or we have successfully verified two accepted forms of your Identity Documents. See condition 2 of full Terms and Conditions for details. Bets placed must meet certain conditions to count towards the release of your Bet Credits: Must contain at least one selection at odds of 1/5 (1.20) or greater. Only the largest cumulative stake on an individual selection within a market/fixture combination (either pre-match or In-Play) will count towards the settled bets requirement. Cashed Out, Instant Games, Gaming, Free Bets, void bets, In-Play bets which are settled as a push or Fantasy Sports entries will not count. Your Bet Credits are non-withdrawable, and Bet Credits stakes are not included in any returns. Any returns from Bet Credits placed will be added to your Withdrawable Balance. Bet Credits cannot be used on certain products, offers/promotions and bet types. See full Terms and Conditions for details. Your Bet Credits will expire 7 days after they are added to your Bet Credits balance.

Visit bet365 →


★ Free tools

Free Betting Tools

Bet responsibly. Only bet where it is legal and you are of legal age. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.18+. Need help? GamCare 0808 8020 133 · GambleAware.org.Need help? Contact your local gambling support service.