1. Definition
A “Quinella” is a type of horse racing bet where the bettor selects two horses to finish 1st and 2nd in any order. As long as both horses place in the top two positions, the bet wins.
Example: A bet on horses 3 and 7 wins if they finish 1st and 2nd in either order.
2. Background and Mechanism
Introduced by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in 1991, the Quinella bet has become a standard wagering option. It focuses on horse numbers, not bracket numbers, and is considered a mid-risk, mid-reward option compared to single-horse or more complex bets.
Winnings are determined by the pari-mutuel system, meaning the total pool is divided among all winning tickets. Long-shot combinations can yield high payouts.
3. Examples and Usage
- Example 1: Bet on 2–8 → Result: Horse 2 wins, horse 8 finishes second → Win
- Example 2: Bet on 1–3 → Result: Horse 3 wins, horse 5 finishes second → Loss
It provides a balance between risk and reward and is popular among both casual and experienced bettors.
4. Differences from Related Terms
- Win: Bet on a single horse to finish 1st
- Quinella: Select two horses to finish 1st and 2nd, in any order
- Exacta: Select two horses to finish 1st and 2nd in exact order
- Place Quinella (Wide): Two selected horses must both finish in the top 3 (easier to win)
5. Tips and Considerations
- Both horses must finish in the top two for the bet to win
- In dead heats (ties), multiple winning combinations may be valid depending on the rules
- Boxed Quinella (e.g., 3 horses forming 3 combinations) can improve winning chances but costs more
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the difference between Quinella and Exacta?
A: Quinella doesn’t require exact order; Exacta does.
Q2: What if only one of my two horses finishes in the top two?
A: The Quinella bet loses. Both must be in the top two.
Q3: What is a “box” bet?
A: A betting method where all combinations of selected horses are covered. For three horses, there are three Quinella combinations.
7. Related Terms
- Exacta (馬単)
- Bracket Quinella (枠連)
- Place Quinella (ワイド)
- Formation Betting
- Odds
8. Summary
The Quinella is a widely used and beginner-friendly type of bet in horse racing, offering a moderate level of risk and payout. By focusing on two horses and not requiring an exact order, it provides an accessible way for bettors to engage with the race and strategize effectively.