How it works
Betting on Horses, the Icon Racing Way
Okay, hear me out. If you’re an investor who’s used to the usual—real estate, stocks, maybe a little crypto—this probably isn’t what you expected. But that’s exactly the point. Icon Racing is flipping the script on horse racing, and if you’re into sports, storytelling, and doing things differently, this is where it gets interesting.
First off, Jayson Werth isn’t just some retired athlete slapping his name on a brand. The guy won a World Series, knows how to compete at the highest level, and is bringing that same energy into horse racing. He’s all-in. And so is Icon Racing.
Start With the Basics: Straight Bets
If you’re new, this is where to begin. Straight bets are just you picking one horse, and it’s super easy:
- Win - horse has to win. First place or bust. Jayson-style confidence.
- Place - Your horse can finish first or second. Still a solid bet.
- Show - Your horse finishes top three, and you get paid. Safe move if you’re easing in.
If you’re rolling with Jayson? He’s going with a win. He’s not out here betting to “show.” C’mon.
Feeling a Little Riskier? Meet Exotic Bets
Exotic bets = more complicated = higher risk = way better payouts. These are for when you’re warmed up and want a little more juice on your ticket. There are two kinds:
- Vertical bets (same race, multiple horses — gotta get the order right)
- Horizontal bets (multiple races — pick the winner in each)
Horizontal Bets: Multi-Race Madness
Think of these like sports parlays. You’re picking the winner in back-to-back races.
- Daily Double - Pick the winner of two races in a row.
- Pick 3 / Pick 4 / Pick 5 / Pick 6 (multiple races — pick the winner in each)
Icon Tip: Betting Combos
Let’s say in Race 1, Jayson is all in on Horse #2. But in Race 2, he likes #3, #5, and #7. Instead of picking just one, he bets 2-3, 2-5, and 2-7. That’s three combos, more chances to win. Yeah, it costs more, but he’s not sweating a few extra bucks when there’s a shot at a big payout.
Same logic applies to your bets — mix it up if you’re feeling indecisive.
Vertical Bets: Nail the Order
These are single-race bets where you’re trying to call the exact order horses finish. If you hit one of these? Pure adrenaline.
- Exacta - Pick 1st and 2nd in the exact order.
- Trifecta - Pick 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in order.
- Superfecta - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. In order. Don’t worry, you’ll get there.
When Jayson bets a straight exacta? It’s because he’s got insider vibes. He knows his horses. You? You’re allowed to box it (more on that next).
Boxing Your Bets = More Chill, Less Stress
Let’s say you love Horses 1, 3, and 6, but don’t wanna sweat the exact order. You can box your bet.
Boxing = any of those horses can finish in those top spots, in any order. Way more forgiving.
- A boxed exacta with Horse 1 and 3? You win if they finish 1st and 2nd in either order.
- A boxed trifecta with 1, 3, 6? As long as those three finish top 3, in any combo, you’re cashing.
It costs more (you’re betting every combo), but it’s how smart bettors play when they don’t wanna go full psychic mode.
What’s a Quinella?
A quinella is basically a chill version of an exacta. Pick two horses — if they finish 1st and 2nd in any order, you win.
Sounds a lot like a boxed exacta, right? It kind of is. Just a slightly different pool of bettors and structure. Sometimes quinellas pay better, sometimes not. Either way, solid play if you don’t want to overthink it.
Icon Vibe: Betting for the Experience
Look, at Icon Racing, we’re here to win, but we’re also here for the experience. Hanging at the track, cheering your horse down the stretch, drink in hand — that’s the real win. Betting just adds to the thrill.
So here’s your Icon-approved approach:
- Start simple with win/place/show bets
- Throw in a Daily Double once you’ve warmed up
- When the confidence hits? Try a boxed trifecta
- And always, always cheer like your horse is Secretariat
Whether you’re hitting a Pick 5 or losing by a nose, it’s all part of the game. Jayson’s in it for the action — and so are we.