Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the world. It involves a wide range of rules and regulations, from age and weight restrictions to doping regulations. One of the most important rules in horse racing is Rule 4, which determines the deductions that are made from winning bets if a horse is withdrawn from a race. In this article, we will explain how Rule 4 works and how it affects winning bets.
What is Rule 4 in Horse Racing?
Rule 4 is a betting rule that applies to horse racing. It states that if a horse is withdrawn from a race, deductions will be made from the winnings of bets placed on that horse. The deductions are calculated according to the odds of the withdrawn horse at the time of withdrawal.
How Does Rule 4 Work?
Rule 4 applies to a horse that has been withdrawn from a race before the race starts. When a horse is withdrawn, the bookmakers will recalculate the odds for the remaining horses and make deductions from the winnings of bets placed on the withdrawn horse. The deductions are calculated using the following formula:
Deduction = [Bet Amount] x [Withdrawn Horse’s Starting Price]
For example, if you bet £10 on a horse at odds of 2/1, and the horse is withdrawn from the race, the deduction will be £20 ( £10 x 2).
What Happens to the Deduction?
When a deduction is made, it is redistributed amongst the remaining horses in the race, according to their starting prices. This means that the bigger the deductions, the bigger the payouts for the winning bets on other horses.
What is a Dead Heat?
A dead heat is when two or more horses finish in a tie. In the case of a dead heat, the deductions are split between the horses that are tied. For example, if two horses finish in a dead heat and the deduction is £20, the deduction will be split between the two horses, so each horse will receive £10.
What is a Non Runner?
A non-runner is a horse that has been withdrawn from a race after the race has started. In this case, there are no deductions made and any bets placed on the non-runner are refunded.
What is a Non-Trier?
A non-trier is a horse that does not make a genuine effort to win the race. In this case, the deductions are calculated using a different formula:
Deduction = [Bet Amount] x [Withdrawn Horse’s Starting Price] x [Non-Trier’s Starting Price]
For example, if you bet £10 on a horse at odds of 2/1, and the horse is a non-trier, the deduction will be £40 ( £10 x 2 x 2).
What is a Void Race?
A void race is a race that has been declared void by the racecourse due to circumstances beyond their control. In this case, all bets placed on the race are refunded and no deductions are made.
What is a Protest?
A protest is an appeal lodged by one of the jockeys or trainers involved in the race. If the protest is successful, the deductions will be recalculated and redistributed amongst the horses in accordance with the revised result of the race.
Conclusion
Rule 4 is an important rule in horse racing that affects the winnings of bets placed on withdrawn horses. The deductions are calculated according to the odds of the withdrawn horse at the time of withdrawal. In the case of a dead heat, the deductions are split between the horses that are tied. In the case of a non-runner or a void race, no deductions are made and any bets placed on the horse are refunded. Finally, in the case of a protest, the deductions will be recalculated in accordance with the revised result of the race.
Understanding how Rule 4 works is essential for any horse racing enthusiast. Knowing how the deductions are calculated and how they are redistributed can help you to make more informed bets and increase your chances of winning.