When looking at
horse racing racecards or betting slips, you might see the term ‘non-runner’ appear on the market. With this term appearing at any time before the race begins, it is an essential part of horse racing that users need to understand, whether you are a bettor or not. Here at Racing TV, we are going to go through what non-runners are, what it means for horse racing events, and how it can affect betting.
What is a Non-Runner?
A non-runner is a horse that was entered into a race but is withdrawn before the start, meaning it does not take part in the race. In short, it means the horse should have been in the race, but for some reason, it has not taken part. This can happen hours or even minutes before the race starts, so it is essential to regularly check the race information.
Why Do Horses Become Non-Runners?
There are several reasons why horses might be declared as non-runners:
1. Injury or Illness
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The most common reason. If the trainer or vet notices anything off, the horse is pulled to protect its health.
2. Ground Conditions (Going)
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If the track is too firm, too soft, or waterlogged, connections might withdraw the horse if the conditions don’t suit it.
3. Travel Problems
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Sometimes a horse simply doesn’t make it to the racecourse in time due to travel delays.
4. Administrative or Licensing Issues
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Occasionally, paperwork or eligibility issues can lead to a last-minute withdrawal.
5. Other Reasons
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Refusal to load into the stalls, pre-race stress, or even steward decisions based on safety concerns.
No matter what
horse racing tips you have or how knowledgeable you are on the sport, non-runners can appear from nowhere. Whilst it might seem unfair, that is the nature of horse racing, and it is something that must be taken into account when placing bets.
What Happens to Your Bet if a Horse is a Non-Runner?
In most cases, your stake is refunded and you do not lose any money, as the bet is voided for the horse. This means if you place a £10 bet on a horse and they are deemed a non-runner, then you will receive the £10 back.
However, there are some exceptions:
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Rule 4 deductions: If a horse is withdrawn after betting has opened and before the race starts, a Rule 4 deduction may apply to the remaining bets.
This means that non-runners can affect the odds even if you did not bet on the horse that was withdrawn.
If your bet was an each-way bet, then you will be refunded both the win and place portions of your bet, and if the horse was part of an accumulator, the horse will be removed and the odds of the accumulator bet will be adjusted.
When are Non-Runners Declared?
There are two key times when you might see a horse be withdrawn from a race:
Declaration Stage (24-48 hours before)
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Trainers officially declare which horses will run.
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Early non-runners are usually updated here.
Late Withdrawals (on the day or at the start line)
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Horses can be withdrawn right before the race starts due to health or behaviour concerns.
In UK racing, a list of non-runners is constantly updated online and announced at the track.
To find out which horses are declared as non-runners, you can check out bookmaker apps, which will flag any non-runners. If you
watch horse racing at the track, then any non-runners will be announced throughout the racecourse.
Non-Runners in Horse Racing
Non-runners are a normal part of horse racing, and while they can be disappointing for punters, they’re almost always done in the best interest of the horse. Understanding how they affect your bet, especially in accumulators or each-way bets, helps you become a more informed punter.
Next time you see (NR) or hear about a horse being withdrawn, you’ll know exactly what it means, and what to do.
Whilst non-runners can void bets, it is always important to keep track of which horses are pulling out of races, as this can affect your
free bets, accumulator bets and each-way bets.