Do You Get Your Money Back If a Horse Falls? Bet Rules

Betting on horse racing can seem simple, but there are some important rules newcomers should be aware of before placing any potential bets. A common question many people have is what happens if the horse they’ve backed falls during a race.

This article provides a clear breakdown of the key rules regarding this situation, helping you better understand how any future bets might be impacted if a horse falls during a race.

What Happens to Your Bet If a Horse Falls in a Race?

If the horse you’ve backed falls during the race, what happens to your stake will depend on the type of bet you’ve placed and the specific rules of your bookmaker.

For a Win bet, your selection must finish first. If the horse falls and doesn’t complete the race, your bet will usually be settled as a loss.

With an Each Way bet, your stake is split into two parts: one for the win and one for the place. If the horse doesn’t finish the race, both parts are typically lost. The place part of an Each Way bet is only paid out if the horse finishes in one of the specified positions, which can vary depending on the number of runners and the type of race. Some races may pay out on the first two or three places, while others may extend to more.

Some bookmakers may offer Faller Insurance on selected races. This could refund your stake as a free bet if the horse falls, unseats the jockey, or is brought down. Typically, this applies to the win part of the bet. However, the terms can vary between bookmakers, so it might be wise to check the specific conditions before you place your bet. Do note that such offers usually exclude horses that pull up, refuse to race, or are disqualified.

UK-licensed bookmakers adhere to the rules set by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), but individual terms can differ, so it can be helpful to review your bookmaker’s policy for clarity.

What Happens If a Jockey Falls Off & the Horse Wins?

If the jockey falls off during the race, the horse is considered a “loose horse.” In UK horse racing, a horse must cross the finish line with its jockey still mounted to be included in the official result.

If a loose horse crosses the line ahead of the others, it will not be counted as the winner. As a result, your bet would typically be settled as a loss, as only horses that complete the race with their jockey still riding are considered in the final placings.

This rule applies to all standard win and place bets with UK-licensed bookmakers. The race result is determined based on horses and jockeys finishing together.

Can a Jockey Get Back on a Horse?

Under current BHA rules, jockeys are not allowed to remount and continue in the race once they have fallen. This policy is designed to prioritise the safety of both the jockey and the horse.

Even if neither the jockey nor the horse appears to be injured, the jockey must leave the racecourse and cannot continue the race. Remounting during a race has not been allowed in UK racing for several years.

For betting purposes, this means that if a jockey falls off, the horse is no longer considered a runner in the official race result.

How Often Do Horses Fall?

Falls are more common in jump racing, also known as National Hunt racing, which involves obstacles like fences and hurdles.

According to data from the British Horseracing Authority, around 2% to 3% of runners fall during jump races each season. Larger races, such as the Grand National, may see multiple fallers due to the size of the field and the challenging race conditions.

In comparison, falls are rare in flat racing. As flat races do not include jumps, the recorded fall rates are typically below 0.1% per season.

These statistics offer context when considering the different types of races, but it’s important to remember that the outcomes of individual races remain unpredictable.

Bet on Horse Racing Online at Mr Luck

Looking for an online platform where you can explore horse racing betting? Mr Luck might just have what you’re looking for. Our betting platform offers a straightforward experience, ideal for both beginners and those familiar with horse racing.

At Mr Luck, you can navigate through a range of races, from local UK tracks to international events. Before placing your bets, explore our betting guide to understand the basics, navigate the odds, and choose how you would like to engage with the races. Our site provides easy access to your betting history, helping you keep track of your activities.

Responsible gambling is essential; we offer bettors responsible gambling tools such as self exclusion and deposit limits to aid them in making informed decisions. Enjoy a well-rounded experience with all the information you need, right at your fingertips.

_{**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.}