Betting.net / Betting Terms A-Z / F / What is Four Furlong Sprint? Four Furlong Sprint Explained in 2 minutes

What is Four Furlong Sprint? Four Furlong Sprint Explained in 2 minutes

David Genge

Editor

Publish Date: March 31, 2021

Fact checked by: Jesse M Cox

Five furlongs is the minimum distance for flat races in the UK and Ireland but there are shorter races in other parts of the world – in the United States quarter horses race over two furlongs, which is the equivalent of a quarter of a mile.

Horses race from starting stalls on the flat to ensure a level start to a race and this is particularly relevant to five furlong sprints in which ground lost at the start is hard to make up. To learn more about horseracing and how to bet it successfully our experts have developed their very own horse racing strategy guide for betting.

How is Five Furlong Sprint used in Sports Betting?

Flat races take place in Britain over five furlongs to two miles and five furlongs. Races are either sprints, medium distance races or extended distance races. Horses specialize so there are sprinters, mid-distance horses and stayers.

Sprints take place over five to seven furlongs. Mile races and more are middle distance races. Any races over one mile and six furlongs are designed for stayers. The fastest sprinters race in five furlong sprints in which speed is off the essence. Middle distance horses are outpaced in five furlong sprints but some have been tried in both types of race.

The most prestigious flat races and Classics are run over distances from one mile to one mile and six furlongs. Proven horses over this range of distances will command huge stud fees but sprinters are much less in demand.

Five furlong sprints allow for no margin of error and horses run as fast as possible from the starting stalls to the finish. The most lucrative five furlong sprints take place at Royal Ascot, Haydock and York. If you’re looking to bet these or any other horse races make your bets even more lucrative with our betting deals and offers. There you’ll find free bets, odds boosts, and other deals like the one below from our friends at Unibet.

Did you know…

The world record for the fastest sprint was set on the straight five furlong course at Epsom.

Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

T&Cs apply

4.5/5

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

FanDuel Promo

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

T&Cs apply

4.4/5

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

Caesars Promo

Up to $250 Bonus Bet

T&Cs apply

4.3/5

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

DraftKings Promo

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

T&Cs apply

4.2/5

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Go to Sports Betting Bonus Comparison

Top Betting Sites

Casino States

Our Team

David Genge

Editor

Jesse M Cox

LinkedInFacebook

Chief Editor

Bob Duff

TwitterLinkedIn

Author

Mike Goodpaster

Twitter

Head Content Writer

What is Four Furlong Sprint? Four Furlong Sprint Explained in 2 minutes

How is Five Furlong Sprint used in Sports Betting?

Did you know…

See also

Read Also

What is Middle Distances? Middle Distances Explained in 2 minutes

What is Distance in Horse Racing?

What is Non Handicap? Non Handicap Explained in 2 minutes

What is Maiden Races? Maiden Races Explained in 2 minutes

What is Flat Race? Flat Race Betting Explained