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Dan Fitch
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Despite having some of the biggest races over jumps, there are still Cheltenham non runners from time to time. With the Festival featuring such a packed schedule of top class racing, it’s important to keep abreast of when horses are pulled out of races.

This page contains all withdrawn horses from the final fields at the Cheltenham Festival. Check out a complete list in alphabetical order updated for each of the four days at the meeting in turn.

The Importance of Cheltenham Non Runners Today

When it comes to Cheltenham races non runners can have a major impact on betting markets. Absentees from the final field happen even after declarations. This can impact Cheltenham odds in a big way if a fancied horse doesn’t take part.

A reduction in the number of runners in individual events at the Festival could also see the place terms reduced. This might affect any each way bets that you place.

There’s also the possibility that a non runner could lead to Rule 4 deductions for races. This sees deductions made to your winnings, based around the price of the horse that withdraws. The shorter the odds, the bigger the deduction values.

It’s also true that a non runner will impact the prices of the other horses that remain in the race. Particularly if it is one of the Cheltenham favourites withdrawn at a short price.

So hopefully you can see the importance of being aware of Cheltenham non runners. Here at Cheltenham Betting Sites, we publish a list of horses that are non runners that you can check in on every day during the festival.

Why Are There Non Runners at Cheltenham Today?

Here are some of the reasons that horses due to race at Cheltenham may end up as non runners. 

  • Bereavement – When the owner of a horse or a family member has passed away.
  • Coughing – Horses that are persistently coughing can become a non runner.
  • Declared in Error – If a horse is declared due to an administrative mistake or has been entered elsewhere
  • Got Loose – When a horse unseats their rider en-route to post.
  • In Season – Fillies and mares withdraw if in season
  • Infection – Horses with an infection are added to today’s non runners at Cheltenham.
  • Injured in Transit – A horse may sustain injury in their box on their way to the racetrack.
  • Not Qualified – The horse no longer or doesn’t meet the race conditions and criteria.
  • Off Feed – If a horse does not eat up on the morning of a race, it can be a non runner.
  • Reserve – Sometimes a race has reserves, but if the maximum field stands their ground, the reserves won’t take part.
  • Self Certificate – This is when a trainer self-certifies without a specific reason.
  • Stone Bruise – Horses can suffer bruised hooves.
  • Temperature – If a horse has a temperature then it will not run.
  • Travel Problems – Traffic and bad weather are factors that can prevent a horse from getting to the racetrack on time.
  • Unsuitable Ground – The going does not suit the horse, following ground description updates.
  • Vet’s Certificate – An examination by equine vets may result in the withdrawal of a horse.
  • Withdrawn at the Start – A horse fails to jump off with the other runners for the start of a race.

Why the Non-Runner No Bet Offer Matters

Ante-post betting on the Festival’s races is available months in advance of the races taking place. When you place such a wager at betting sites you run the risk of your horse becoming a non runner.

There is no guarantee that the horse you are betting on will officially enter the race, while an entrant could withdraw at any time, right up to the very start of the race. That’s why it’s so important to look out for Non Runner No Bet deals for Cheltenham.

From January onwards, some bookies provide NRNB terms for Cheltenham Gold Cup non runners and other Festival races. These include the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle.

If you make a bet with NRNB for any Cheltenham horse racing event and your selection withdraws, you will receive your stake back. So from January onwards, shop around to make sure that you have the security of NRNB in place.

Closer to the Festival, you will be able to find other Cheltenham offers that will aid your horse racing bets. Extra Place Races, for example, add to the place terms. So a race where a top three finish results in a place, instead stretches to four places.

FAQs

Do you get a refund if the horse you back for the Cheltenham Festival is a non-runner?

When is the latest there can be non runners for Cheltenham?

Will there be an official announcement about Cheltenham Festival non runners on course?

Do I lose my stake on ante post bets for Cheltenham if there’s a non runner?

Dan Fitch

Dan has been a writer and editor for some of the leading names in the gambling industry for nearly 20 years. In addition to his work with us at Cheltenhambettingsites.co.uk, he freelances as a sports journalist for top publications and websites like ESPN, FourFourTwo, and LiveScore.

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