Rule 4 deductions are deductions on winning bets when one or more horses are withdrawn from a horse race after a bet. Rule 4 deductions primarily reduce the winning amount of a punter due to the increased likelihood of each horse winning the race, as there is one less horse to beat.
The Rule 4 deduction table or chart describes distinct deduction levels, offering clear guidance on corresponding adjustments and providing useful information for those interpreting and applying the rule.
Rule 4 deductions are calculated using a deduction table by identifying the non-runners and calculating the total wagered amount on the race. Subtract the bets on the non-runners from the total, then divide the remaining by the amount bet on the runners to determine the final payouts. The factors that can affect the calculation of rule 4 deductions are the odds of the non-runner horse and the number of remaining horses.
The official British HorseRacing Authority website lists today’s non-runners data and today’s rule 4 deductions. Bookmakers may vary in Rule 4 deductions because the pre-race odds vary among themselves.
Contents
- 1 What is Rule 4 Deductions in Horse Racing?
- 2 What is a Rule 4 Deduction Chart?
- 3 How to Calculate Rule 4 Deductions?
- 4 Where To Find the Rule 4 Deductions Today?
- 5 Do Rule 4 Deductions Vary Between Bookmakers?
- 6 What are the Rule 4 Deductions on the Betfair Exchange?
- 7 Are There Any Exceptions to Rule 4 Deductions?
- 8 Does Best Odds Guaranteed Still Apply After a Rule 4?
What is Rule 4 Deductions in Horse Racing?
Rule 4 deductions in horse racing refer to deductions on winning bets when one or more horses are withdrawn from a race after betting has commenced. These adjustments are implemented to account for the diminished competition and increased likelihood of winning the race for the remaining horses. The horse that gets withdrawn from a race is known as a non-runner horse.
The deduction amount is calculated based on the odds of the withdrawn horse at the time of its withdrawal. Rule 4 aims to maintain fair payouts for bettors by acknowledging the altered race dynamics resulting from the withdrawal.
The rule 4 deductions and non-runners data are usually declared before the race, providing important information about the withdrawal to race organizers and bettors.
The impact of Rule 4 on Punters includes shortened odds for the remaining horses and reduced winning amounts.
The impact of Rule 4 on Bookmakers includes fair calculation of odds for remaining horses, market stability, and reduced risk of losses due to a non-runner horse.
Why Rule 4 Deductions are Required?
Rule 4 deductions are required to safeguard bookmakers in case of a non-participating runner or runners following the final declarations for a race.
Rule 4 Deductions (Rule 4(C)) of the Tattersalls Committee Rules is not constituted by one person or a group of bookmakers but rather by the whole horse racing industry.
What is a Rule 4 Deduction Chart?
The Rule 4 deductions chart is a table that correlates the fractional odds of a non-runner horse and equivalent Rule 4 deductions. This deduction chart helps the betters understand the general betting rules and deductions in case a horse is withdrawn.
The rule 4 deductions table correlating fractional and decimal odds of a non-runner horse and corresponding deductions is described below.
| Fractional Odds (at the time of withdrawal) | Decimal Odds | Rule 4 Deductions |
| 1/9 or shorter | 1.11 or shorter | 90p in £1 |
| 2/11 to 2/17 | 1.18 to 1.12 | 85p in £1 |
| 1/4 to 1/5 | 1.25 to 1.20 | 80p in £1 |
| 3/10 to 2/7 | 1.30 to 1.29 | 75p in £1 |
| 3/5 to 1/3 | 1.40 to 1.33 | 70p in £1 |
| 8/15 to 4/9 | 1.53 to 1.45 | 65p in £1 |
| 8/13 to 4/7 | 1.62 to 1.57 | 60p in £1 |
| 4/5 to 4/6 | 1.80 to 1.66 | 55p in £1 |
| 20/21 to 5/6 | 1.95 to 1.83 | 50p in £1 |
| Even to 6/5 | 2.00 to 2.20 | 45p in £1 |
| 5/4 to 6/4 | 2.25 to 2.50 | 40p in £1 |
| 8/5 to 7/4 | 2.60 to 2.75 | 35p in £1 |
| 9/5 to 9/4 | 2.80 to 3.25 | 30p in £1 |
| 12/5 to 3/1 | 3.40 to 4.00 | 25p in £1 |
| 16/5 to 4/1 | 4.20 to 5.00 | 20p in £1 |
| 9/2 to 11/2 | 5.50 to 6.50 | 15p in £1 |
| 6/1 to 9/1 | 7.00 to 10.00 | 10p in £1 |
| 10/1 to 14/1 | 11.00 to 15.00 | 5p in £1 |
| Over 14/1 | Over 15.00 | No deduction |
The horse racing rule 4 deduction chart serves as a valuable tool for calculating rule 4 deductions in horse race betting, addressing late withdrawals from races, and ensuring equitable payouts for bettors.
This deduction chart helps delineate various deduction levels, ranging from 5p in £1 to 90p in £1, correlated with the odds of the withdrawn horse, with higher odds leading to more substantial deductions.
How to Calculate Rule 4 Deductions?
To calculate rule 4 deductions, use the rule 4 deductions table and consider the fractional odds of the withdrawn horse and the remaining number of the horses. The steps for calculating Rule 4 deductions are described below.
- Note the fractional odds of the withdrawn horse
- Look for the fractional odds column in the rule 4 deductions table and note the corresponding deduction.
- Convert that deduction (pence amount) to the percentage.
- Reduce the profit or winning by that percentage.
Example: If you bet on a horse for £10 at 10/1 that was supposed to win, but in the same competition, the favorite one (priced at 3/5) is pulled out, your total would be:
Before “Rule 4”
£10 x 10 = £100 (Profit before Rule 4)
£100 + £10 = 110 (total return before Rule 4)
After “Rule 4”
£100 less 70% (70p in the £) = £30 (Profit after Rule 4)
£30 + £40 = £70 (total return after Rule 4)
The factors that can affect the calculations of Rule 4 deductions are the number of non-runners, odds of non-runners, time of withdrawal, type of bet, and Tattersalls’ rules. These factors are described below.
- Number of Non-Runners: The primary determinant of Rule 4 deductions is the number of horses withdrawn from the race. More non-runners lead to higher deductions.
- Odds of Non-Runners: The odds of the retired horses play a role. Withdrawal of a high-odds horse usually has a more significant impact, as it would have attracted fewer bets compared to a favorite.
- Time of Withdrawal: The timing of a horse’s withdrawal is crucial. Withdrawals close to the race start to result in higher deductions, as bookmakers have less time to adjust their odds.
- Type of Bet: Different types of bets may be subject to varying deductions. Single bets may have different deduction rules compared to multiple bets or accumulators.
- Tattersalls’ Rules: The specific rules of the Tattersalls Committee, overseeing betting practices, can impact Rule 4 deductions. These rules may differ among racing jurisdictions.
Is There A Rule 4 Deductions Calculator?
Yes, there is A Rule 4 Deduction calculator that can help you determine the odds of your horses. Examples of rule 4 deduction calculators are Matchedbets.com‘s betting calculator and Attheraces.com‘s betting calculator.
What is the Maximum Possible Rule 4 Deduction?
The maximum possible Rule 4 deduction is 90p in pounds.
What is The Minimum Possible Rule 4 Deduction?
The minimum possible Rule 4 Deduction is 5p in pounds.
Can There Be More Than One Rule 4 in a Single Horse Race?
Yes, there can be more than one Rule 4 if more than one horse is withdrawn from a horse race, as there is no absolute limit in a single-horse race. However, the amount of Rule 4 will depend on the timing of the bet. It will only be liable to Rule 4 deductions relevant to subsequent withdrawals if a wager is made following the initial Rule 4 deduction.
Can There Be A Reverse Rule 4 Deductions?
Yes, there can be a reverse Rule 4 Deduction if the number of runners is the same or fewer than the number of paid places in a “not to place” bet.
Where To Find the Rule 4 Deductions Today?
To find the Rule 4 deductions today, you can go to the official BHA Website, which shows the deductions and non-runners horse data.
How To Find Yesterday’s Rule 4 Deductions?
To find yesterday’s Rule 4 Deductions, you can go to the official BHA Website, which shows the deductions and non-runners horse data.
Do Rule 4 Deductions Vary Between Bookmakers?
Yes, Rule 4 Deductions vary between bookmakers because the pre-race odds vary among themselves.
Which Bookmakers don’t apply Rule 4 5p deductions?
Bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes, and William Hill are the bookmakers who don’t apply Rule 4 5p deductions.
What are the Rule 4 Deductions on the Betfair Exchange?
Rule 4 deductions on the Betfair Exchange involve deductions calculated using the reduction factor of the withdrawn horse. The formula for the deduction calculation on Betfair Exchange includes dividing decimal odds by 100 and then multiplying by the reduction factor. It’s important to note that if the reduction factor for the withdrawn horse is less than 2.5%, it is not applied.
Are There Any Exceptions to Rule 4 Deductions?
Yes, there are exceptions to Rule 4 deductions in the context of ante-post bets. Ante-Post bets are bets placed before the horse racing course’s betting market is open and generally free from Rule 4 deductions unless explicitly outlined in the specific terms and conditions of the respective betting events.
Does Best Odds Guaranteed Still Apply After a Rule 4?
Yes, the best odds guaranteed are still applied after Rule 4. Best Odds Guarantee is a benefit provided by certain bookmakers, ensuring payout for bettors at the most favorable odds either at the moment of placing the bet or when the event takes place.
