Scratches: when a horse is withdrawn
A scratch is a horse withdrawn from a race after entries close. Bets on that horse are usually refunded, but exotic and multi-race bets follow special rules that every bettor should know.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01Win, place and show bets on a scratched horse are refunded.
- 02In exactas and trifectas, a scratched horse is usually refunded or the ticket becomes partly void.
- 03In Pick 3, Pick 4 and similar bets, a scratch often moves to the post-time favorite.
Key numbers
Scratches in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- Check the scratch list before you bet.
- Straight bets on scratched horses are refunded.
- Multi-race bets often switch to the favorite.
- Late scratches can change pool sizes and odds.
At the door
A scratch list
Gate pass
21+
Race 3
Vet scratch
Race 5
Trainer scratches
Race 6
Coupled entry runs
Race 8
Also-eligible draws in
Tracks post scratches on screens and online.
What happens to your bet
| Bet type | If your horse is scratched |
|---|---|
| Win, place, show | Full refund |
| Exacta, trifecta | Refund of combos with that horse |
| Daily double | Often refund or consolation |
| Pick 3 to Pick 6 | Often post-time favorite |
| Futures | Usually no refund |
Rules vary by track; check the house rules.
Why horses are scratched
Common reasons include a vet finding, a sloppy track, a trainer choosing another race, or a horse acting up in the gate. Track stewards approve scratches.
A late scratch at the gate can happen minutes before the race.
Scratches are posted on screens, in apps and on the track’s website.
Common scratch types
| Type | Who decides |
|---|---|
| Vet scratch | Track veterinarian |
| Trainer scratch | Trainer with steward approval |
| Steward scratch | Racing stewards |
| Gate scratch | Starter and stewards |
Vet scratches can bring a waiting period before the horse runs again.
Coupled entries
When two horses with the same owner or trainer run as one betting interest, they share a number, such as 1 and 1A. If one is scratched, bets still stand on the other.
Many US tracks no longer couple horses, but some still do.
Sequence
Before you bet
Step 01
Check the scratch list
Morning and post time.
Step 02
Review track rules
Exotics and multi-race.
Step 03
Watch for late changes
Gate scratches.
Step 04
Rebet if needed
Refunds come back.
Step 05
Check pools
Odds may shift.
Also-eligibles
Some races list extra horses called also-eligibles. If a horse in the main field is scratched before a set time, an also-eligible may draw in.
Also-eligibles usually start from the outside post.
Floor rules
Scratch terms
Know before you sit
- Scratch
- A horse withdrawn after entry.
- Also-eligible
- Horse waiting to draw in.
- Coupled entry
- Two horses running as one interest.
- Post-time favorite
- Lowest odds at post.
Online and advance deposit wagering
Advance deposit wagering apps show scratches and refund bets automatically. Refunds return to your account balance.
Check track rules in the app for exotic and multi-race scratches.
Where to find scratch info
| Source | Timing |
|---|---|
| Track website | Morning |
| Simulcast screens | All day |
| Wagering apps | Live |
| Program changes | Posted at track |
Check close to post.
How scratches change pools
When a strong horse scratches, money moves to the others, so odds shift. Late scratches can also leave fewer horses, which can reduce or cancel show betting in small fields.
Recheck the tote board before you bet again.
Common mistakes
- Not checking scratches
- Lists change.
- Assuming Pick bets are refunded
- Often switched.
- Ignoring coupled entries
- One may still run.
- Missing late scratches
- Check at post.
Keep reading
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01Basics
What is a scratch?
A horse withdrawn from a race after entries close. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Do I get my money back?
On win, place and show bets, yes, in full. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What about exactas?
Combinations with the scratched horse are usually refunded. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
02Multi-race
What happens in a Pick 4?
Often the scratched horse becomes the post-time favorite. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Can I change my ticket?
Not after the first leg starts. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What is a consolation payout?
A reduced payout used by some pools after a scratch. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
03Other
What is an also-eligible?
A horse waiting to enter if another scratches. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Where are scratches posted?
On track screens, apps and websites. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Are futures refunded?
Usually not. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Sources
- Equibase Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Entries and scratches
- America’s Best Racing Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Racing basics
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER