The below is a high-level summary of horse racing betting rules. Please be aware different bookmakers may have different rules.
NON-RUNNERS / WITHDRAWALS
Non-runners are selections that do not come under starters orders.
Non-runners are settled as void and stakes are returned on single bets.
In multiple bets the non-runner is settled as void and all remaining selections count for settlement purposes.
A treble (3 selections) with a non-runner becomes a double on the remaining 2 selections.
This will also apply to any system bets like a Yankee or similar meaning where the non-runner appears in any combination of that system bet the non-runner will be settled as void.
Selections in walkovers will be treated as non-runners and made void in all single and multiple bets.
In the event of a false start any horse who does not take part in the re – run of the race will also be made void and stakes returned.
ABANDONED / POSTPONED
Bets are void if the race is abandoned, the race is declared void, entries change, race conditions change (venue / surface) and if 48-hour declarations do not stand.
If a race is rescheduled to another day and declarations stand (the race is not reopened) all bets will stand.
Standard Place Terms
All races 1 – 4 runners WIN ONLY (selections in each way multiples will be settled all to win)
All races 5 – 7 runners ¼ the win odds for 2 PLACES 1st and 2nd
8 + runners in a non-handicap race ⅕ the win odds for 3 PLACES 1st 2nd and 3rd
8 – 11 runners in a handicap race ⅕ the win odds for 3 PLACES 1st 2nd and 3rd
12 – 15 runners in a handicap ¼ the win odds for 3 PLACES 1st 2nd and 3rd
16 + runners in a handicap ¼ the win odds for 4 PLACES 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th
RULE 4 AND HOW IT WORKS
If a horse is withdrawn not coming under starters orders – or is officially deemed by the starter not to have taken part in a race – stakes on that horse will be refunded in single bets or made void in multiple bets and winning bets will be subject to deductions in accordance with Tattersalls Rule 4 (c)
Rule 4 is a deduction that is made to winning bets, when the result of the race is affected by a horse or horses not running. It is the method used to settle winning bets that were placed before any horse or horses were declared non-runners (withdrawn) in any given race.
The rule 4 reduces the bet returns of winning bets in any race where a horse or horses are declared non-runners within certain odds parameters once the race has been priced and your bet has been placed prior to any non-runners.
Rule 4 can still apply to bets placed at SP if there was insufficient time to reform the market before the race off time.
In races where more than one horse is declared a non-runner the combined Rule 4 will not exceed 90p in the £
Withdrawn horses in reformed markets will be subject to deductions as normal but bets affected by withdrawn horses in the original and reformed market(s) will be settled using the prices applicable in the original market.
DEAD HEAT RULES
If two or more horses are deemed the joint or co winner of a race this is known as a dead heat for betting and settlement purposes.
To correctly settle a dead-heat the winning bets are settled at full odds but the stake is divided by the number of horses who dead heated for the race.
UNNAMED FAVOURITES BETTING
The favourite is the horse returned after the race with the smallest SP while the 2nd favourite is the horse returned with the 2nd shortest SP.
Unnamed favourites betting is only allowed as WIN only in singles and multiples
Bets placed on unnamed favourites or 2nd favourites where only one horse is deemed to be that who are withdrawn and non-runners will be settled as void and stakes returned.
Dead heat rules will apply for settlement purposes when joint or co favourites/2nd favourites are returned as such by the SP.
