In horse racing, a scratch happens when a horse is withdrawn from a race after the betting pools have opened. Whether due to injury, illness, weather, or a trainer’s decision, scratches affect both the race lineup and your bet. Thankfully, US pari-mutuel betting has clear refund rules — and platforms like MyWinners handle them automatically.
What Is a Scratch in Horse Racing?
What Is a Scratch in Horse Racing?
A horse is “scratched” if it is removed from a race before post time (the official race start). This can happen minutes or even hours before the race.
Common reasons:
Medical concerns
Poor track conditions
Trainer/jockey changes
Equipment issues
Scratches are typically posted on the tote board, online betting platforms, and official race updates.
Will I Get a Refund?
Will I Get a Refund?
Refunds depend on the type of bet and when the horse is scratched:
Straight Bets (Win, Place, Show):
You get a full refund if your selected horse is scratched before the race.Exotic Bets (Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3, etc.):
Most platforms apply “ALL” substitutions — meaning your scratched horse is replaced by the field in multi-race bets — or reduce the combination payout. Rules vary by bet type.Multi-Race Bets:
If one horse in your Pick 4 or Pick 6 is scratched, that leg usually defaults to the post-time favorite. You won't get a refund, but the bet lives on.
How MyWinners Handles Scratches
How MyWinners Handles Scratches
Scratches are updated in real-time via your online ticket or account dashboard
Refunds are applied automatically to eligible bets — no action needed
Ineligible refunds are handled per bet type, with substitutions made as required by state law or house rules
💡 Did You Know? In major races like the Kentucky Derby, scratches have caused last-minute odds swings — and even led to 20–1 longshots taking surprise wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a scratch affect a Pick 4 or Pick 6 bet?
How does a scratch affect a Pick 4 or Pick 6 bet?
If a horse is scratched from a Pick 4 or Pick 6 sequence, most US betting systems will automatically substitute that selection with the post-time favorite for that race leg. You won't receive a refund, but the substitution changes your risk profile.
What happens if multiple horses are scratched from the same race?
What happens if multiple horses are scratched from the same race?
If multiple horses are scratched, payouts may be recalculated and exotic bet options like Trifectas or Superfectas might be cancelled or adjusted. Some pools could be refunded entirely if the minimum number of runners isn’t met.
Are scratch policies the same across all US states?
Are scratch policies the same across all US states?
No. Each state’s racing commission has specific rules on scratches and substitutions, particularly for exotic and multi-leg wagers. Always check local regulations or the operator’s house rules.
How late can a horse be scratched before the race?
How late can a horse be scratched before the race?
A horse can be scratched any time up until the gates open. Scratches that occur very close to post time may not update on your platform immediately, but refunds or substitutions will still apply retroactively.
Can I cancel my bet if I see a potential scratch coming?
Can I cancel my bet if I see a potential scratch coming?
Once a bet is placed, you generally can't cancel it unless the horse is officially scratched. Monitoring late scratches is part of managing your strategy — especially with early betting.