Horse racing betting sites in the UK June 2024

IT will come as no surprise that horse racing, the sport of kings, is one of the biggest wagered-on sports in the world.

Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here.

With it being in that position, you would be forgiven to think that bookmakers would have the best horse racing promotions and offers as they fight for the next big player. And, yes, you would be right. 

Still, finding the best among horse racing betting sites that we work with and their promotions and sign-up offers is hard work, and I'm here to take it on, so keep reading as I review the best betting sites from our partners in the UK for racing punters.

🔎 A closer look at my top picks among horse racing betting sites from our partners

Now it’s time to show you the good and the bad of the top UK bookies that allow betting on horse races, and help you choose one among them.

From the best sign-up offers to the best horse racing promotions, I will cover it all with my reviews of operators we work with. Read on!

1. Betfred 🥉

A stalwart in not only the horse racing betting world, but in the gambling industry as a whole, Betfred, founded back in 1967, is the definition of ‘age is just a number’! 

As you would expect, a bookie such as Betfred has everything you need when looking for a horse racing bookmaker - top odds, interesting offers, specials for special races, and of course, a layout that's easy on the eyes - my eyes, that is, but I think you'll find it suits most tastes as well.

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From best odds guaranteed, over boosted markets, to live streaming, Betfred is a bookmaker that prides itself in delivering a top-class horse racing product that can be enjoyed anywhere in the world.

I do have to note that signing up was the only hitch in an otherwise seamless experience, as trudging through the registration screens and completing the KYC process in particular, took more of my time than it could have. But once you're done with that, it's all smooth sailing - or should I say betting?

2. bet365

Dubbed as ‘the world's favourite online bookmaker’ bet365 comes with a big reputation as one of the best horse racing betting sites in the UK. I do think this reputation is earned, as bet365 often sets the standard for the betting world and what punters can expect.

There's nary a race this bookie doesn't cover, and you can count on the best odds found online for every UK & Irish horse race, something avid racing bettors will appreciate.

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Of course, it almost goes without saying that I liked having access to a staggering variety of markets at bet365, from your expected win markets to their special daily price boots on selected horses. I think it's fair to say they have every angle covered for new and existing customers.

But, does it deserve the title ‘the world's favourite online bookmaker’? Not from me, perhaps - I like loyalty schemes for those who choose to stick around, something bet365 lacks - but I can't deny excellence when I see it, and anyone betting with this bookie will find themselves well (if a bit slowly) served.

3. Betway

Now considered one of the best horse racing betting sites in the UK, Betway have put a lot of time and resources into bringing you one of the top horse racing products on the market.

Recently, for the Cheltenham Festival, they had a ‘Countdown To Cheltenham’ promotion where all interested bettors - me among them - could earn free bets for the Cheltenham Festival. These types of specials are Betway's, well, specialty, and horse racing isn't left behind in them.

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Along with that, Betway offers everything you would expect from a leading horse racing bookmaker such as best odds guaranteed, boosted prices, and live streaming. There's an app if you like to place your bets on the go, but make sure to set aside some time for it, as the loading times aren't the greatest.

On the plus side, once you win some cash, it'll arrive to your account almost instantly, at least in my experience. All in all, there's not much Betway hasn't taken care of for their customers.

4. BoyleSports

BoyleSports' horse racing product impresses with its extensive coverage of races not only in the UK but from around the globe. 

I found that their horse racing platform offers some of the most competitive odds when compared to other UK bookmakers. 

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The big downfall I found was the delay in live streaming compared to other providers. For anyone who is an in-running bettor, this is something to consider. But, besides that small fault, BoyleSports, just like most, have all the main horse racing promotions you would expect.

5. BetVictor

It’s fair to say that BetVictor has a solid reputation in the horse racing betting world for their clean & crisp platform. I agree with this assessment - it was really simple for me to navigate the pages and find effective horse racing offers.

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For example, an offer that is unique to BetVictor is their ‘Run For Your Money’ promotion. BetVictor will refund all losing bets (in cash) on British and Irish racing if your horses refuse or whip around at the start, fail to come out or lose all chance at the stalls.

However, one thing I really wasn't a fan of was the welcome offer - there are far better incentives out there to sign up with a racing bookie, and I'd say BetVictor are missing out on a lot of potential customers by not upping their initial generosity a little.

8. William Hill

If you are looking for horse racing content with the aim to help you pick your next winner from their many horse racing ambassadors like Sir AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty, Sean Bowen and many more then William Hill is the horse racing bookmaker for you, as it often is for me.

William Hill has invested a lot of time into taking their horse racing product to the next level, and it is starting to show - you'll hardly find so many targeted offers elsewhere.

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With so many bookmakers having the ‘standard’ odds, I delved into some of the special horse racing markets e.g. when comparing Distance Specials, and Place Specials to their competitors, Willie Hill offered the most value with their prices. 

For example, a rival bookmaker had a selected horse at 2/1 to win by 5 lengths or more, whereas William Hill had the same horse with Over 4 lengths at 11/4. It might not seem much, but the consistency of better prices on offer makes William Hill one of, if not the best horse racing betting sites when it comes to value.

Still, I didn't like that they don't reward loyalty as much as they could, and there's clearly some effort lacking from the development side, as the app had glitches and slow loading times for me on an iPhone.

📋 How I ranked horse racing bookmakers

It's time to take you through the steps I took to rank online horse racing bookmakers from 10th to 1st spot.

The steps weren't taken lightly because when you sign up for a bookmaker through my toplist, I want to make sure you have all the ‘to the point’ information that helps you make the decision that's right for you.

🎁 Sign-up offers and welcome bonuses

The sign-up bonus is a key factor when choosing a horse racing betting site, especially for people new to betting on horses.

You want to experience the joys of betting on horse racing with as little risk as possible, and that is where free bets sign-up bonuses come into play.

When you have one bookmaker offering you ‘bet £5 get £20 in Free Bets’ compared to ‘bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets’ it's easy to see which offer gives the best value for money.

So, I always recommend you take your time to go through each bookmaker, read through the terms and conditions, and choose the sign-up bonus that is right for you.

💰 Ongoing promotions

Here is where I delved deeper into each bookmaker to see what current ongoing promotions are available.

What I looked for is which bookmaker is going to reward you for being a loyal customer. I want to see who is offering ‘rewards clubs’, ‘money-back specials’, and their own unique take on ‘special promotions’. 

Bookmakers who look after customers with their sign-up offers and then carry them into their ongoing promotions have a higher chance of holding onto that valuable player like you.

💳 Payment methods

With the array of debit and e-wallets available now, I made sure that our top list of bookmakers provides you with an easy and fast way to deposit into and withdraw from your account. Speed is not only for the racetrack but also for your betting account.

It's also important to mention that the betting operators I list here have access to widely used payment methods such as:

• Visa and Mastercard debit cards
• PayPal
• Skrill
• Neteller
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• paysafecard
• Zimpler

📱 Mobile app

With online betting, a smartphone is my go-to device, so that makes the design and performance of any betting app key.

I've tested for ease and speed of navigation, loading times, live steam quality, and overall feel of the app compared to the desktop version.

You would be surprised how often the mark is missed when it comes to mobile apps, and this is why I know this is a crucial part of the betting experience.

🔒 Security and license 

It goes without saying that security of the highest standard is a must when trusting a betting site with your personal and card details.

But you can rest easy, because all our trusted bookmakers have the best security and licenses to make you feel that all the personal information that you have provided when signing up is safe and protected.

📞 Customer service 

There is nothing worse than dealing with customer support that is slow and painful.

When I test the quality of customer service I test for

• How long it takes to navigate the BOT system
• The time waiting to speak to a staff member 
• The friendliness of the customer service staff
• The knowledge of the customer service staff
• Overall problem solving

As you know, not all customer services will be the same on the day, it all depends on who you speak to. But, as stated above, you can see with my to-the-point reviews who passed, and who failed our customer service test.

📺 Live streaming

There is nothing worse than a buffering or low-quality pixelated live stream when betting on horse racing. You can have the best offers on show, but it is so frustrating when you can not see your horse running due to a bad live stream.

I've watched dozens of race meetings to help with this, by testing each platform's livestream performance, and if it is not up to standard it can turn a great review into a disappointing review.

Yes, there will be times when every system will have a glitch, but when it is a constant occurrence, then it ruins your betting experience.

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Horse racing odds explained 

Understanding how odds work is essential for making informed betting decisions in horse racing, and understanding how much you stand to win from a wager is just as important.

For example, let's say you're considering betting on a horse named "Honeysuckle" in an upcoming race at odds of 5/1.

Fractional Odds: In the UK, odds are typically presented in fractional form, such as 5/1. This format indicates the potential profit relative to the stake.

Numerator (5): The numerator represents the potential profit. In this case, if you bet £10 on Honeysuckle to win, you stand to win £50 in profit if your bet is successful.

Denominator (1): The denominator represents the stake. So, if you bet £10 and the odds are 5/1, you would receive a total return of £60 (£50 profit + £10 stake) if your bet wins.

Calculation: To calculate potential winnings with fractional odds, you multiply the stake by the numerator and add the stake. For example:

Potential winnings = (Stake × Numerator) + Stake

For "Honeysuckle" at 5/1 with a £10 stake: (£10 × 5) + £10 = £60 total return.

Risk and Reward: Higher odds indicate a higher risk but also offer a higher potential reward. Lower odds suggest a higher likelihood of winning, but the potential payout is lower.

📝 How to sign up at an online horse racing bookmaker

Signing up for an online horse racing bookmaker can be daunting at the best of times. But, here I'll take you step by step through what you need to do, and what you may need to provide when signing up to an online horse racing bookmaker.

1. Sign up - The first thing you need to do is find the horse racing bookmaker that fits your needs.  
2. What you need - Once you have picked the horse racing bookmaker you wish to bet with you will need to sign up and open an account with that bookmaker. You will need a valid debit card, your bank details, proof of address, your contact details and proof of ID.
3. Find the sign-up page - Once you have chosen your horse racing bookmaker you will navigate the sign-up area, their landing page, or locate a button marked sign up or join now located on the top right of your screen.
4. Opening an account - From here it will take you to the open account page where you will need to enter your country of residence (UK), your name and date of birth, your address, email address, language, time zone, odds display (fraction or decimal), and more depending on your chosen bookmaker. Then you will need to create a unique username, password, and enter a security question that will be used should you ever need to contract your bookmaker regarding your account. Finally, enter any sign-up promotion code you may have as if you fail to enter it in the promotion tab you will not receive the sign-up offer.
5. First deposit - Next you will be taken to the deposit page where you will be asked to enter your method of payment. Check what payment method is accepted by your chosen bookmaker to avoid disappointment. This is for depositing and withdrawing. Once you have completed that, you are now ready to place your first horse racing bet.
6. Placing your qualified bet - This is an important step to claim your free bets. Before placing your first bet, be sure to check the promotion T&Cs as if your first bet is not placed correctly, you may lose out of your free bets.
7. How to use your free bets - Once your betting account has been credited with your free bets it is straightforward to use. You will find a tab on your betting slip that will say “use free bet”. Just click on this button to add one of your free bets to your selection. Should you have any problem with placing your free bet, all our bookmakers on our toplist have 24hr customer service.
8. Promo period - Free bets normally have a 7-day period where you will need to use them. If you fail to use your free bets within the given time frame, then you will lose the use of your free bets.

Best horse racing betting offers

Below you will find some of the most popular horse racing betting offers and what they exactly mean.

• Free bets - A promotional offer provided by your chosen bookmaker, allowing you to place bets on horse races without risking your own money.
• Price boost - A special promotion when a bookmaker will make the odds of a chosen horse bigger than advertised in the market e.g 5/1 boosted to 6/1
• Best odds guaranteed - Best Odds Guaranteed ensures that you receive the best possible odds on your horse racing bets. If the starting price (SP) of the horse is higher than the odds you took when placing the bet, you will be paid out at the higher SP. e.g you bet on ‘Kauto Star’ at 2/1, but he won at 3/1 (SP), you are paid out at 3/1.
• Non-Runner No Bet - Most popular for the Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post market, NRNB gives you the security of backing a horse, and for any reason your horse is not derailed to run in your selected race, then you will receive your stake back in cash.
• Acca insurance - For bets with 4 legs or more, acca insurance gives you the chance to get your stake back (normally up to £10) as a free bet if one leg of your acca does not win.
• Extra place - An 'extra place' is when the bookmaker says they will add one or more additional places to their standard place terms on a particular race. So, for example, they may offer to 'pay 5 places on a race' instead of the standard 4 places. The 5th position in this instance is then the 'extra place'.

🏇 Most popular horse racing UK bet types

After you're done with account opening, you'll be able to place bets like acca, win only, and others. Bear in mind that sports bets have terms and conditions, so make sure to read up on those before gambling. Here are the types of horse racing bets you can place:

Win only bet 

There are lots of different ways to place a bet when it comes to betting on horse racing, with the most simple being a ‘win only’ bet. This means that your whole stake is being placed on a horse to win a particular race and you only get a return if they pass the post in front. For example, £5 on a horse to win at 4-1 would return £25 as described above. 

Each-way betting

Another hugely popular way of placing a bet on racing is through ‘each-way’ betting. Once again, you are picking one horse in a particular race, but with an each-way selection, you are placing two separate bets. For example, if you place £5 each-way on Frankel at 10-1, £5 is placed on the horse to win and the other £5 is staked on the horse to place. 

That means that your £5 on the horse to place will bring a return if your selection finishes second or third – and sometimes fourth, fifth and sixth depending on the type of race and the number of runners – with the place part usually paying a fifth of the win odds. 

Rates can vary of course, but if Frankel finishes third and you’ve backed him each way at 10-1, most firms would pay a fifth of the odds on that. Half of your stake that was placed on Frankel to win would lose, but the other £5 would be a winner at 1/5 of the odds, or 2-1 in this case. You’d therefore get a return of £15 on your £10 each-way bet and a £5 profit.  

Exacta

Another race-specific bet is an Exacta, which requires you to find the horses who you think will finish first and second in the race. Picking them in an exact order is known as a straight Exacta, while with a reverse Exacta, the order of the horses doesn’t matter as long as they finish first and second. 

You can also place bets which require more than one horse to win in horse racing, which are known as multiple bets. There is a wide range of multiples available, including the following.

Double

A double involves placing a single bet on two horses to win two different races. For this bet to land, both horses need to win. For example, you could have a £5 double on Denman to win the 13.00 at Kempton Park at 11-8 and Menorah to win the 13.10 at Sedgefield at 13-8. The double would pay at just over 5-1, with your £5 stake returning winnings of £31.17.

Treble

This carries the same principle as a double, except you are using three selections rather than two. You can have as many horses in a win multiple as you like and after a treble, they are generally referred to by the number of horses in the bet; a four-fold, a five-fold, a six-fold and so on.

For a treble, you could have a £5 multiple on each of Long Run in the 14.30 at Cheltenham at 2-1, Synchronised in the 14.40 at Uttoxeter at 5-1 and Hedgehunter in the 17.00 at Aintree at 3-1. The treble pays a whopping 71-1, with £5 returning a cool £360.

Lucky 15

This bet is slightly more complicated than those above it, but it is hugely popular for horse racing bettors. You pick out four horses for a Lucky 15 bet, which is a combination of 15 different bets on those four horses.

If you were to stake 50p on each outcome, the total cost of the bet would be £7.50 and for that, you would get four singles, six doubles, four trebles and one four-fold selection to boot. You only need one horse to win to guarantee yourself a payout, though your potential winnings can shoot up quickly if multiple horses win. 

Heinz

This is similar to a Lucky 15 bet, though it involves more selections. You may be able to guess why this bet was named the Heinz, as you need to find six horses you fancy for this type of bet, which adds up to a total of 57 wagers.

You can get big rewards for small stakes with this type of bet and if you were to stake just 5p on every single outcome, your total bet would be £2.85. For that, you would get yourself 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-fold accumulators, 6 five-fold accumulators and 1 six-fold accumulator.

Unlike the Lucky 15, you would need to get two winners to get a return this time, though things quickly build up if you can find three or more winners. 

Placepot

This type of bet is specific to one meeting and is synonymous with the Tote. A placepot requires you to pick one horse to place in each of the six selected races on the card.

You would only get a return if each of your six horses at that meeting – let’s say Cheltenham – finish in the places that day and the number of places on offer per race will depend on the number of runners in each contest, so make sure you check before placing it.

Best horse racing festivals in the UK

Horse Racing is a year-round sport and there is almost always a big race taking place in the UK – with ITV Racing there to cover it each Saturday. Some meetings are bigger than others, however, and I’ve listed some of the UK’s best horse racing festivals of the year below. 

Cheltenham Festival: Tuesday 12^th March – Friday 15^th March 2024

Known as the ‘greatest show on turf’, the Cheltenham Festival is one of the few horse racing events each year which gains mainstream coverage. Running for four days in March, the schedule is packed with some of the best jumps racing the sport has to offer, with no less than 14 grade one races. 

On top of that, there are five ‘Championship’ races at Cheltenham; the Champion Hurdle (Tuesday), the Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday), the Ryanair Chase (Thursday), the Stayers’ Hurdle (Thursday) and the sport’s blue riband race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup (Friday).

Plenty of bookmakers have exclusive Cheltenham betting offers for newly registered and existing players. Online bookies usually try to provide the most competitive Cheltenham odds, so be on the lookout for the best deals.

Grand National Festival: Thursday 11^th April – Saturday 13^th April 2024

Aintree comes into the spotlight in April with the Grand National Festival, which is headlined by the world’s most famous steeplechase competition. There is some top-class racing on the first two days of the meeting before the eyes of the world turn to Merseyside for the Grand National 40-runner spectacular over those world-famous fences.

Here's what our betting experts have to say about the 2024 Grand National:

• Grand National Day
• Grand National Thursday betting preview
• Grand National Ladies’ Day preview

Guineas weekend at Newmarket: Friday 3^rd May – Sunday 5^th May 2024

The Flat takes centre stage for the first time in May, with the first two Classic races of the season at Newmarket, the 1000 and 2000 Guineas. This is the first opportunity for the three-year-old fillies and colts to showcase their ability on the big stage and the Rowley Mile is usually packed on 2000 Guineas Day – with around 20,000 people in attendance.

Epsom Oaks and Epsom Derby: Friday 31^st May and Saturday 1^st June 2024

The second Classic races of the season for the fillies and the colts are held at Epsom, in the form of the Epsom Oaks and the world-famous Epsom Derby. With its challenging undulations and tough bends, the Derby and the Oaks provide a stiff test for these top-class three-year-olds, in front of a massive crowd. Entry is free on The Hill enclosure and thousands of people usually gather for the big race.

Royal Ascot: Tuesday 11^th June – Saturday 15^th June 2024

June is a huge month for Flat racing, with the eyes of the world being on Royal Ascot. The five-day festival was one of the late Queen’s favourite events of the year and some of the very best horses from around the world head to London to take part in some world-class horse racing.

Glorious Goodwood: Tuesday 30^th July – Saturday 3^rd August 2024

One of the most glamorous race meetings of the year is the five-day festival at Goodwood, which is known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’. Expect the champagne to be in full flow across the five days, with one of the key races being the Group One Sussex Stakes, one of the first opportunities for the three-year-old generation to test their mettle against the older horses.

St Leger Meeting: Thursday 12^th September – Sunday 15^th September 2024

The final Classic race of the season is held at Doncaster. Run over a mile and three quarters, the St Leger is the longest of the three Classic races and horses need to have a mix of class and stamina if they are to come out on top. The race is the oldest of the Classic races, dating back to 1776. 

Top tips for betting on horse racing 

Betting on horse racing is a fun and popular pastime, though you can be caught out if you rush into it. There are so many things to consider when placing a bet on a horse and I’ve provided a few tips to help you get as much information as possible before picking a horse to bet on.

• Watch lots of racing – this may seem obvious, but the easiest way to build up your understanding of horse racing is by watching as much of it as possible. This should help you pick up things like jargon and your understanding of things like odds and you should also get a good feel for the form – figures can help, but seeing a horse perform in a race is the best way to get a feel for their chances next time!
• Understand the form – Everyone uses different methods to choose the horse they want to bet on and it may be that picking out your favourite number or colour of silk works for you. However, in the long term, it can be a big help if you use a horse’s form to get a good understanding of how they have been performing in the short term and what they have shown throughout their career. Sites like Racing Post and Timeform can help you when it comes to that. 
• Learn the jargon – Horse Racing can feel like it has its own language at times, but getting familiar with all the jargon can help you with your understanding of the sport. Learning about things like conditions races and cheekpieces will stop you from having to do so much homework. Learn what betting terms like trifecta and superfecta mean, and learn about horse racing-specific terminology. 
• Study the riders – Racing has plenty of stars in the weighing room and it can pay to follow certain jockeys. Frankie Dettori and Oisin Murphy are two of the best riders around on the Flat, while Rachael Blackmore has been a sensation over the Jumps in recent years. A lot of these horsemen have an excellent track record, so if you want to place a winning ticket, follow their work. 
• Note down impressive horses – Your eyes are your biggest ally when it comes to horse racing betting and if something catches your eye, it’s worth noting them down. It’s easy to forget certain performances just due to the amount of racing that’s on each year, so using notebooks – or online trackers – are an excellent way to keep on top of things.
• Use information – If you want to increase your funds, you have to learn everything you can about horse racing, horses, and jockeys. It's the only way to stay on top so you won't end up losing a bet. We have so much information at our fingertips in this day and age and luckily a lot of it is free to boot. You’ll be surprised just how much form and tips are available for free on betting sites, while places like Timeform and the Racing Post are excellent resources.

FAQ about horse racing websites

Below you will find some of the most widely searched queries around horse racing betting that I'll untangle for you.

1. What betting site is best for horse racing?

It depends on what you are looking for with your horse racing betting site. You can check my reviews above and see which one is the best fit for you.

2. Does bet365 have horse racing?

Yes, bet365 has one of the best horse racing platforms on the market.

3. What app to use for horse racing?

All the best horse racing betting sites provide a high-level app for you to enjoy horse racing.

3. What is the best betting system for horse racing?

This will vary from person to person, but betting longshots can be very profitable if executed correctly.

4. Is horse betting risky?

Yes, horse betting can become very risky if you do not gamble responsibly. Always bet within your means, and keep it fun.

5. What is the best bet for horse racing?

Win and each way bets are ranked as the best bet for horse racing.

6. What is the most common horse bet?

The most common and widely used bet is the win market.

My thoughts on horse racing online bookies in the UK

As a sport, horse racing is one of the most spectacular sports to witness not only on screen, but at the racecourse, but your experience can be ruined with a below-par bookie.

Yes, there are so many high-quality horse racing online bookies in the UK, but there are also some who do not live up to their reputation. 

In conclusion, exploring horse racing online bookies in the UK has been an insightful journey. 

From navigating competitive odds to discovering enticing promotions like "Fail To Start" and free bets, the experience has been frustrating when faced with problems that should not be associated with online bookmakers, but an enjoyable one to get you the best information. 

These platforms not only provide a convenient way to bet on horse racing betting but also offer some valuable resources for punters. 

With careful research and responsible betting practices, these horse racing bookies can enhance the thrill of the sport we love.

About the author

Andrew Halligan

My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube's . Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you're a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.

You can follow Andrew on X ().

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – 
• Gamble Aware – 

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to 

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