We’re talking Betting Terminology again as we look to clarify some more racing jargon. This time we’re explaining “Anti-Post”.

Anti-post bets are those struck before the race day. For example, I want to have a bet on next year’s Grand National, that bet would be described as an ‘anti-post bet’, the market would be an anti-post market.

Anti-post bets have certain rules, though, and often anti-post bets include the caveat that, should your horse not run (due to illness, injury or any other reason) you lose your money. That’s the risk you take. As a consequence, however, the price (odds) available for anti-post bets are usually much longer (better for the bettor) than they are on the actual race day, when the non-starting risk does not apply.

It is also possible to make anti-post bets “with a run”, where you are refunded if your horse does not line up to start a given race. You should make this absolutely crystal clear before striking any anti-post bet!

Betfair has a large selection of anti-post markets on many events. Often it is possible to back a horse a long time in advance, and lay it closer to race day at a shorter price (when the risk of withdrawal has reduced).