Horse racing is a well-received spectator sport across the UK, though some of the rules can be complex if you're new to the sport. A common question among racegoers and bettors is what happens if a jockey falls off during a race.
This article explains the rules around jockey unseating, what this means for race results, and how any potential bets may be affected. Here's what happens when things don't go to plan during a race.
Jockey Falls – What Happens Next?
When a jockey falls during a race—referred to as being “unseated”—the horse may carry on running. Horses often continue due to momentum or being in the company of the field. However, under British Horseracing Authority (BHA) rules, a horse must be ridden by its jockey when crossing the finish line to be included in the official result.
If a jockey is unseated, the horse is recorded as “Did Not Finish” (DNF), regardless of where it physically ends the race. This applies across all UK professional racing.
If you’ve placed a bet and the horse you backed becomes riderless, the outcome is treated the same. Standard win or each-way bets are settled in line with the official result, which does not include unseated runners. Some betting operators may offer promotions such as faller insurance, though terms vary and are subject to eligibility criteria.
Bet settlement follows the result issued by the race stewards. These outcomes are used across online platforms and high street bookmakers alike. While unseating is not common in flat racing, it is more likely in jump events. Still, it accounts for a small percentage of total races each year.
Understanding Race Disqualifications
There are several reasons a horse may not appear in the official race result. These include failing to complete the course correctly, taking the wrong route, or breaking a racing rule. This could involve interference with another horse or carrying incorrect weight.
Unseated runners are not disqualified in the formal sense. They are recorded as non-finishers. Disqualification refers to horses that are removed from the result due to a breach of the rules, even after finishing the race.
Decisions regarding disqualification are made by the stewards, based on BHA regulations. A result can be amended after the race if new information is reviewed. Any changes are recorded officially, and these are the outcomes used for settling bets.
Remounting Myths in Horse Racing
Some may recall seeing jockeys remount horses in older footage. However, since 2009, jockeys are not permitted to remount and continue in most professional races in the UK.
This policy is in place to protect both the jockey and the horse. If a fall occurs, the jockey must be assessed by medical staff before leaving the track. Safety measures are enforced at all major UK meetings, including Cheltenham and Aintree.
For betting, once a jockey falls and cannot remount, the horse is not included in the final result. As a result, bets placed on that runner are typically settled as losses unless a specific promotion applies.
Do You Get Your Bet Refunded If the Jockey Falls?
If a horse becomes unseated and does not complete the race with its jockey, standard win and each-way bets are not refunded. The bet is treated as a loss because the horse is not included in the official result.
Some licensed betting operators may offer promotions such as faller insurance or money-back specials on selected races. These are subject to specific terms, including minimum odds, race types, and stake limits. They do not apply by default and may vary between platforms.
For clarity on how your bet is settled, you can refer to the operator’s published house rules. These outline how different bet types are handled in various scenarios. All outcomes are based on the official race result issued by the stewards.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.