Pick 3 horse racing is a popular form of pari-mutuel betting where horse racing fans can place bets on their favorite horses. It is a fast-paced and exciting form of gambling, but it can also be a bit confusing to figure out what happens when a horse scratches from a race. In this article, we will take a look at what happens if a horse scratches in a Pick 3 and the different ways that this scenario can affect bettors.
What is a Scratch in Horse Racing?
Before we get into what happens when a horse scratches from a Pick 3, let’s first take a look at what a scratch is in horse racing. A scratch is when a horse has been entered into a race but then is not allowed to participate. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including health issues, bad weather, vehicle problems, or simply the horse not performing up to expectations.
When a horse is scratched, it is removed from the field of contenders and bettors who have wagered on that horse will not have their bets honored. The remaining horses will still race and the other bettors’ wagers will still be honored as usual.
What Happens if a Horse Scratches in a Pick 3?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a scratch is in horse racing, let’s take a look at what happens if a horse scratches in a Pick 3. In a Pick 3, bettors select the winners of three races in succession. If a horse scratches from one of the races, this will affect the outcome of the Pick 3 bet.
Types of Pick 3 Wagers
The way that a scratch affects a Pick 3 bet will depend on the type of wager that is placed. There are two main types of Pick 3 wagers: straight wagers and boxed wagers.
Straight Wagers
In a straight wager, the bettor must pick the exact order of the winners of all three races. If a horse is scratched from one of the races, the bet is automatically void and the bettor will not receive any winnings.
Boxed Wagers
In a boxed wager, the bettor selects any combination of horses that could potentially win in each race. This means that the bettor does not need to pick the exact order of the winners in all three races. If a horse scratches from one of the races in a boxed wager, the bettor will still receive a payout as long as the remaining horses in the bet win their respective races.
Refunds for Scratched Bets
If a horse scratches from a race and the bettor has placed a straight wager, they will not receive any winnings. However, the bettor will be refunded the amount that they wagered on the scratched horse. This refund is typically credited within 24 hours of the horse being scratched.
Conclusion
Understanding what happens if a horse scratches in a Pick 3 is important for any horse racing fan. In general, a scratch will void a straight wager and the bettor will not receive any winnings. However, they will be refunded the amount they wagered on the scratched horse. On the other hand, if a bettor has placed a boxed wager, they will still be eligible for a payout as long as the remaining horses in the bet win their respective races.