How Many Race Horses Are There in A Race?

How Many Race Horses In One Race?

Anybody new to Sports of Kings, i.e., horse racing, is clueless. The entire field may seem like Fort Knox – an impenetrable place. We get it. That’s why we answer some of the frequently asked questions about race horses.

We start with how many horses are there in a race.

Unfortunately, there are no definite answers. A lot of factors decide the total number, such as the size of the racing field.

Typically, the maximum number of race horses are determined after officials evaluate safety. How is safety assessed? Using these factors:

  • What category is the race?
  • What is the age of the horse?
  • Is it a flat race or jump?
  • Is it a handicap race?

A lot of times, all the race horses don’t even run for each race. For popular races like the Grand National, all horses may run. But for smaller races, not every horse will definitely take part. These horses are called withdrawals or non-runners, and the practice is widespread. It is why there is no definite answer to how many horses take part in a race!

Do Race Horse Withdrawals Affect Betting?

Yes, of course. How many race horses take part and who has withdrawn does affect the betting market. That is why there is a Rule 4.

The rule is a standard price deduction on all runners in the market. The stand was created to make betting fair. For instance, you bet on a 5/1 race horse, and later the favourite (2/1) withdraws. In this case, your horse becomes the winning favourite. But that’s an unfair price. This is where Rule 4 comes into play.

What Is Each Way Betting?

Another betting practice that the total number of race horses impact is each way betting. What is each way betting? It is a separate bet. You bet on a specific race horse to place. How do you find out how deep into the finishing order will the bookmaker pay out for a horse place?

The size of the field determines it. Let’s say you place an each way bet for a handicap race with over 15 runners. Then the pay out will be for 4 places. If the runners are five to seven, then the pay out is for 2 places. If the races horses are less than five, then it is win only.

Generally, for most horse races, the pay out is on 3 places. If the race is bigger, then some bookmakers may include extra places. There are methods to take advantage of races where the pay out is for more places. But it is not easy to calculate each way betting if you are a beginner.

So, our advice would be to find a tool that helps you or someone who knows tons about race horses!

News Reporter

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