Question: what are odds against winning?
Answer: The odds against winning (i.e. the odds the horse will lose) are 9:1. We usually say the 'odds on' to win are 9:1. Note that if a gambler places a $1 bet with a bookmaker at 9:1 odds on to win and his horse wins, the gambler will win $9 plus the $1 bet, obtaining $10; otherwise the gambler will lose $1.