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🤖 Scratching changed the race? Ask Racebot to re-read the field freeNo scratchings today — all declared runners are set to face the starter.
Fields update automatically as acceptances and scratchings are announced. See today's fields on the racing today page.
When a horse is scratched, bookmakers apply a deduction to winning bets — a percentage of winnings withheld to account for the smaller field. Deductions scale with the scratched horse's price: a favourite scratched late might cost 35 cents in the dollar, a $51 outsider almost nothing. Win and place bets on the scratched runner itself are refunded in full by Australian-licensed bookmakers.
Re-handicapping after a scratching
A scratching does three things: it moves the betting market, it can change the pace map (a withdrawn leader turns a sit-and-sprint into a speed duel), and it reshuffles the barrier advantage. Before recommitting, recheck the best available prices — and if the scratching came after you studied the race, let Racebot re-rate the new field in seconds.
What is a scratching in horse racing?›
A scratching is a horse withdrawn from a race after acceptances have been declared — by stewards or the trainer, for reasons like injury, illness, track condition or a change of plans.
What happens to my bet if my horse is scratched?›
Australian-licensed bookmakers normally refund win and place bets in full on a scratching. In exotics like the quaddie, the tote favourite is usually substituted — check your bookmaker's rules.
When do scratchings come through?›
The big waves arrive with acceptances (usually mid-morning), at the 30-minute and 10-minute marks, and after jockeys report issues in the mounting yard. This page refreshes every 60 seconds.
Do scratchings change the odds of other horses?›
Yes — every scratching shortens the market for the remaining runners. A late scratching of a favourite can dramatically reshuffle prices, so recheck the market after late withdrawals on our odds comparison page.
🔞 18+ only. Scratching information is unofficial until stewards confirm. Gamble responsibly — Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858.