What is ante-post Betting? Ante-Post Rules in Horse Racing Explained

What is Ante-Post Betting?

Ante-post betting is the practice of backing horses in races a long time before they are due to happen. In horse racing, this typically happens for major races at meetings like the Cheltenham Festival or Grand National over jumps and for similar high-profile events like Royal Ascot on the Flat.

The term "ante-post" comes from Latin: "ante" (before) and "post", from "post time" (the official start time of a race).

Bigger prices are offered by bookmakers on ante-post markets, as there is less certainty on which horses will run or what level of form they are capable of.

The main difference in ante-post betting and backing horses on the day of the race is that ante-post non-runners are not refunded, whereas backing a horse after final declarations or on raceday that doesn't subsequently run would result in a refunded stake.

Key Features of Ante-Post Markets

Ante-post markets for major races, such as those at Cheltenham in March or Royal Ascot in June, are typically available months in advance.

These markets are volatile as horses can get injured, suffer a loss of form or have their targets changed by connections.

Ante-Post Rules in Horse Racing

Some key rules to note when betting ante-post on horse racing are:

• Stakes are lost if the horse does not run (There are some 'non-runner no bet' exceptions, such as in the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival)
• No deductions if horses withdraw (Rule 4)
• Bets stand regardless of a change of trainer, owner, or jockey
• Ante-post bets are often settled on the official result only

Example of an Ante-Post Bet

Ante-post markets are common in jumps racing. A punter might see a horse running in a race like the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day and decide to back that horse for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, as the courses and nature of both races are vastly different.

Preferential odds are available ante-post, but, with more than two months until Cheltenham, many factors can go wrong.

In comparison, that horse could be a much bigger price in December before being confirmed for the Gold Cup in March. Punters must weigh the potential for enhanced odds against the risk of losing their stake on a non-runner.

Advantages of Ante-Post Betting

Some advantages of ante-post betting include:  

• Better odds available far in advance
• Opportunity to back multiple selections at bigger prices
• Adds long-term excitement building up to big meetings
• Can hedge or trade positions closer to race day

Risks and Considerations of Ante-Post Betting

Punters must also consider some of the below risks when choosing to bet on the ante-post markets:

• Risk of losing stake if a horse does not run
• Market uncertainty over long periods
• Lack of money-back if non-runner (unless NRNB is offered)
• Changes in form, fitness, or race conditions

Strategies for Ante-Post Betting

Some possible strategies for ante-post betting on horse racing include:

• Seeking value in early markets with unexposed horses
• Consider trainers' and owners' targets for horses
• Use non-runner no bet promotions when available
• Spread bets across multiple runners in big fields
• Hedge later if odds shorten significantly

For example, in the run up to Cheltenham, a horse could have multiple targets and it is important for punters to consider which options a top trainer like Willie Mullins has in each race of backing one of his horses ante-post.

FAQs about Ante-Post Betting and Rules

Are ante-post bets refunded if my horse does not run?

No, stakes are lost if the horse does not run.

Can ante-post bets be placed online and in betting shops?

Yes, ante-post bets can be placed online and in betting shops.

Do all bookmakers apply the same ante-post rules?

No, different bookmakers work to various terms. Always check the terms and conditions before placing an ante-post bet – such as the number of places on offer etc.

Is non-runner no bet available year-round?

No, this is typically offered on Cheltenham Festival races from January onwards, with all bookmakers applying the concession at their own discretion.

Are ante-post bets better value than day-of-race markets?

Bigger odds are typically available on ante-post markets, but punters have to weigh up the risk of losing their stake without a run.

Why do punters place ante-post bets months in advance?

Bigger odds are a key driving force, as well as the excitement of watching a horse progress over the season with one major target in mind, as one example.