Horse racing remains a widely followed betting activity across the UK, but it’s not without its uncertainties. Horses may fall, refuse to jump, pull up, or unseat their rider—any of which can bring the race to an unexpected end for your selection.
If you’re unfamiliar with how betting works, it might be unclear what impact this has on the money you’ve staked.
This blog explores how different types of horse racing bets can be affected when a horse doesn’t finish, how various bookmakers approach these situations, and what terms or offers might apply. Everything is explained in straightforward language, with examples to help you make sense of it.
What Bookies Do When Your Horse Falls
When you place a basic bet on a horse to win a race, your money is on that horse to finish first. This is known as a win bet. If your horse falls and does not finish, that bet is usually lost.
The same applies to an each way bet, which is a two-part bet—one part on the horse to win, the other on the horse to finish in a top position (for example, 2nd or 3rd, depending on the race and bookmaker). But for any part of this bet to be successful, the horse must cross the finish line with the jockey still on board.
Some bookmakers might offer specific promotions that may cover falls. These are sometimes known as “Faller Insurance” or similar. If this type of offer is active, you might get your money back—either in cash or as a free bet. This depends on the bookmaker, the promotion rules, and whether you’re eligible.
These offers aren’t standard. They only apply to certain races or with certain terms. Bookmakers don’t all follow the same rules. For example, some may offer faller refunds during major race festivals like Cheltenham or Aintree. Others may not offer them at all.
Refunds Explained For Fallen Horses In Races
When your horse falls in a race, the outcome of your bet depends entirely on the type of bet placed and the policies of the bookmaker. With standard bets, there is no automatic refund. If the horse does not finish, the bet is usually considered unsuccessful.
Promotions that refund your stake if a horse falls can exist, but these are optional and only available on selected races. You may need to opt in, and there are often limits on how much can be refunded—for example, up to £10 or £20. Some refunds may come in the form of a free bet rather than cash, which means you can place another bet, but can’t withdraw the refund amount directly.
It’s worth noting that these refunds do not apply to every race. They are typically offered during high-profile events, and even then, they might only apply to bets placed within certain timeframes or by certain customers. You can usually find this information in the bookmaker’s promotional terms and conditions.
Jockey Falls Off - What Happens Next?
In UK horse racing, the jockey must stay on the horse and ride it across the finish line for the horse to be officially placed. If the jockey falls off, the horse is marked as not finishing the race. That means the horse is not included in the official race results used by bookmakers to settle bets.
If your horse unseats the rider before the end of the race, the outcome is the same as if the horse had fallen. Without crossing the line with the jockey on board, the bet does not win.
Some bookmakers may occasionally offer promotions that refund stakes when this happens. These are usually grouped with faller-related offers. However, not every bookmaker does this, and even when they do, the refund might be in the form of a free bet with specific terms.
Rules On Horses Completing The Course
To count in the official race results, a horse must complete the race. That means running the full course with the jockey still in the saddle. If a horse pulls up, falls, or is disqualified, it is treated as “Did Not Finish” or DNF.
Betting markets in the UK follow this official outcome. This means that, for most types of bets, if your horse is recorded as not finishing, your stake is lost. Whether you placed your bet in a betting shop or online, this rule generally applies.
There are exceptions, but they depend on the bookmaker’s offers or specific markets. For example, some advanced markets might offer partial settlement terms—like “first past the post” or “double result”—but these are usually more complex and not relevant for standard win or each way bets.
Bookmakers may also differ in how they apply rules for certain races. That’s why reading the bet terms before you place it can help you understand what you might expect if something unexpected happens.
Common Myths About Horse Betting Refunds
There are a few widespread beliefs about horse racing bets that aren’t accurate. One common idea is that if your horse falls or doesn’t finish, the bookmaker will refund your money. This is only true if you’ve opted into a specific promotion that offers a refund for these situations.
Another misunderstanding is that all bookmakers deal with these scenarios in the same way. In reality, each bookmaker can choose how they run promotions and settle bets. For example, one bookmaker might offer a faller refund as cash, while another may offer it as a free bet, and another might not offer anything at all.
Some people also assume that all big races include extra protection or promotions. This isn’t guaranteed. Even during major events, promotions are optional and often only available to selected customers or those using specific bet types.
Lastly, it’s worth clearing up the idea that betting strategy can change the outcome of these types of incidents. No matter how experienced you are, there is no method to avoid a horse falling or pulling up. These are parts of the sport that involve uncertainty. Bookmakers use official race results, so unless there is a stated offer in place, a fall means the bet is lost.
Horse racing bets involve real money and uncertain outcomes. That’s why it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Use tools such as deposit limits, reality checks, and cool-off periods if you need a break. Gambling should be approached as a form of paid entertainment—not a way to make money.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.