How do I know my horse is a Non Runner?
In horse racing, the term "non-runner" refers to a horse that was originally scheduled to participate in a race but is subsequently withdrawn before the race begins. There are several reasons why a horse may be declared a non-runner:
- Injury or Illness: If a horse sustains an injury or falls ill leading up to the race, the trainer or owner may decide to withdraw the horse to prevent further harm or discomfort.
- Unsuitable Ground Conditions: Horses have preferences for certain types of track surfaces. If the ground conditions, such as heavy rain making the track unsuitable for a particular horse, the trainer may opt to withdraw the horse.
- Poor Form or Lack of Fitness: If a horse's recent performances or training sessions indicate that it is not in peak condition or is not likely to perform well, the connections may choose to withdraw it to avoid a poor showing.
- Travel or Logistics Issues: Horses often need to be transported from one location to another for races. If there are unforeseen transport or logistical issues that prevent a horse from arriving at the racecourse on time, it may be declared a non-runner.
- Administrative Reasons: Occasionally, administrative errors or oversights can result in a horse being declared a non-runner. For example, if the horse's registration or paperwork is incomplete or incorrect, it may be withdrawn from the race.
It's important to note that the specific rules and regulations regarding non-runners may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the racing organization. In some cases, a non-runner may be replaced by a reserve or another horse on the waiting list, while in other cases, the race may proceed with fewer participants.
If the horse has been withdrawn before 8pm and the Form Ratings have been generated, a horse which is now a Non Runner will have the odds shown as N/A and decimal odds of zero (0).
Once the Form Ratings have been published, non runners won't be updated automatically and you would need to check the Racing Post or Sporting Life for the most up to date list of Non Runners.