Ante post betting simply refers to a bet that is placed before the race runners have been confirmed to run in the race. The cut-off point to confirm runners differs depending on the race meeting. However, this is typically made at 10 a.m. two days before any flat race, big hurdle races (like the grand national), and any Sunday races. Other hurdle races require confirmation on the day of the race.

In an ante post bet, the bettor has the additional risk of losing the money placed on the horse if it doesn’t take part in the race – which is why the odds are usually higher than after the race. Bettors will keep their stake if a market is specified as "no runner no bet".

On the other hand, no "rule 4 deduction" is made from the odds of a winning bet if other horses that have declared drop out of the race. The "rule 4 deduction" means that if a horse drops out of the race, then this will affect the odds on all other horses in the race. The odds change will depend on the odds of the horse that has dropped out of the race – for example, if a favourite drops out then the other horses in the race have a bigger chance of winning compared to if a 50/1 shot dropped out.

There is also ante post greyhound betting markets - this is the same premise.

What Races Have Ante Post Odds

We offer ante post odds for all horse racing markets, but they will go up well in advance for classics or national hunt races. Some of the most popular races for ante post races are below.

The Grand National

The grand national is a national hunt race that takes place in April at Aintree in Liverpool as part of a three-day festival of racing. The four-mile race contains forty runners and the first grand national took place in 1839. Our Grand National ante post market is live now.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup

Cheltenham's Gold Cup is a national hunt race that is three miles long. The race is also one of the biggest in the racing calendar. The winning Jockey gets their hands on the gold cup – which is made of 18-carat gold – and a significant amount of prize money. Check out our Cheltenham Gold Cup ante post betting markets now if you fancy a bet!

The Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is a flat race which is a mile in length, but it is famous for the hill – a challenging part of the course. The race takes place in June, but you can get your bets in now with our liveEpsom Derby ante post markets.

The Queen Elizabeth II

Formly known as the Platinum Jubilee stakes, the race was renamed in 2023 in memory of the Queen. This flat race is only run over one mile and is held at Ascot. Royal Ascot's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes ante post market is open now.

The St Leger

The St Leger Post is a one-mile flat race which takes place at Doncaster in September. This is part of the triple crown, which consists of the Epsom Derby and the 2,000 Guineas. The race is one of the oldest in Britain with the first taking place in 1776. You can bet on the latest now with our St Leger ante post markets.

The Irish Champion Stakes

The Irish Champion Stakes is a flat race ran over 1 mile and 2 furlongs. The race takes place at Leopardstown in September – but our The Irish Champion Stakes antepost live now.

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