Watching a horse race can lead to questions about how your bets might be affected if your selected horse falls during the event. If you’re new to betting, it could be helpful to understand what typically happens in these situations.
The outcome often depends on the type of bet you have placed and the operator you are using. Here is an overview of what generally occurs when a horse does not complete a race.
Betting After A Horse Fall - Next Steps
If a horse falls during a race, how the bet is settled usually depends on the type of bet placed. In most cases, single win bets and each-way bets will be considered unsuccessful if the horse does not complete the race, and the original stake is not typically returned.
Some operators may provide a promotion known as “faller insurance”, where the stake could be returned as a free bet if the horse falls during the race. As these offers are not available from all bookmakers, it could be useful to check the terms and conditions before placing a bet.
With accumulator bets, one unsuccessful selection often means the whole bet is lost. However, certain operators may offer insurance features or alternative bet options that could return part of the stake under specific conditions.
Bookies’ Approach To Non-Finishers
Bookmakers usually use official race results when settling bets that involve horses which do not finish. Horses that fall, are pulled up, or unseat their jockeys during a race are typically treated as non-finishers.
For a single win bet, if the horse does not finish the race, the bet is generally settled as a loss, and the stake is not returned.
With each-way bets, a non-finishing horse usually results in both the win and place parts of the bet being settled as losses.
If a horse is declared a non-runner before the race begins, most bookmakers will void bets placed on that horse and return the stake.
Some bookmakers may offer promotions such as money-back specials or faller insurance for selected races. These offers often have specific terms, including eligibility conditions and stake limits, so it could be useful to review the full details before placing a bet.
If anything is unclear, the bookmaker’s rules section or customer support might provide further guidance on how a particular bet would be settled.
Can The Jockey Remount The Horse?
In UK racing, jockeys who fall during a race are not usually allowed to remount and continue. This rule was introduced by the British Horseracing Authority in 2009 to support safety measures for both jockeys and horses.
The rule is in place for both flat racing and jump racing at racecourses across the UK.
While practices may vary in other countries, in the UK, a horse whose jockey has been unseated is treated as a non-finisher.
Risks Every Punter Should Know
Horse racing can have a range of outcomes. A horse might fall, refuse to race, or be pulled up if showing signs of fatigue or injury. These situations may affect the outcome of a bet, regardless of a horse’s form going into the race.
Bookmakers use different factors to calculate odds, including previous race performance and current conditions. These odds reflect potential outcomes but do not ensure a particular result.
If a horse does not finish the race, bets placed with bookmakers or through pool betting providers like the Tote are usually settled as losses, depending on the type of bet placed.
Many operators provide features to help manage how much you choose to bet. These tools are designed to support safer gambling but do not change how bets are settled.
What Is A Refund Offer Or Money Back Special?
Refund offers or money-back specials are promotional features that some bookmakers may provide, often connected to particular races or events.
These offers might return your stake as a free bet if your horse falls or does not finish the race, depending on the terms and conditions set out by the operator.
There is usually a limit on the amount refunded, such as £10 or £20, and the free bet may need to be used within a specific time frame or on certain markets.
These types of offers are generally available for selected bet types and races only. Reading the full terms and conditions could help you understand whether a promotion applies to your bet.
Details about current promotions are usually available on the bookmaker’s website or by contacting their customer support team.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.