Looking to place a bet on a thoroughbred participating in the Run for The Roses? Here are some important horse racing terms to know as the 2026 Kentucky Derby quickly approaches.
Win
Placing a win bet means the horse you bet on must win the race outright. That means your chosen horse must come in first place to receive that bet's payout.
Place
A place bet means your selected horse must finish in first or second place, the top two positions. If your horse places in third, you will not receive a payout from the bet.
Show
A show bet means your selected horse must finish within the top three positions. First, second or third place would yield a payout for a show bet.
More: Kentucky Derby 2026 live odds, favorites, horse updates from Churchill Downs
"In the money"
"In the money" simply means your selected horse takes first, second or third place, performing well enough to earn a payout.
Learn how to read a racing program here.
Reach reporter Bailey Reed at bereed@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Place vs. show? What Kentucky Derby betting terms mean
