Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) is a betting concession that refunds your stake if your selected horse does not take part in a race. It is commonly used for ante-post and day-of-race horse racing bets, particularly around major festivals like Cheltenham.
What is Non-Runner No Bet?
NRNB protects the bettor's stake if the selection is declared a non-runner. Instead of treating the bet as a loser, the bookmaker returns the full stake. This is a bookmaker offer rather than a universal betting rule, so coverage varies between sites, markets, and individual races.
How NRNB Works
With NRNB, stakes are refunded if a horse is withdrawn before final declarations. The exact cut-off point varies between bookmakers, and once declarations are final, the wager falls under standard ante-post or day-of-race terms. This differs from a standard ante-post bet, where a withdrawal usually results in the stake being lost.
For example, a £20 ante-post bet on a race covered by NRNB would be refunded if the horse is withdrawn the week before the race. Terms can differ between bookmakers, so conditions should be checked before placing a wager.
Benefits and Availability
NRNB reduces the risk of betting well in advance, when a horse's participation is uncertain. It provides protection against injury, ground conditions, or trainer decisions, making ante-post betting less exposed to changes before race day.
NRNB is particularly prominent around major UK jump and flat fixtures, including the 2027 Cheltenham Festival, the 2027 Grand National, and Royal Ascot 2027. These meetings attract large fields, increasing the possibility of late withdrawals. Some bookmakers offer NRNB on all races at Cheltenham, so if a horse is entered in multiple races, stakes are returned on all races in which it doesn't compete.
Bookmakers usually introduce NRNB as a standalone promotion in the lead-up to major festivals. These offers can sometimes extend to each-way bets or a wider selection of races. Terms are time-limited and can differ, so bettors should check before betting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NRNB cover each-way bets? It depends on the bookmaker and promotion. Standard terms may apply only to win bets, while festival promotions can extend to each-way bets. Always check the terms.
Is NRNB the same as Draw No Bet? No. NRNB protects the stake when a horse does not take part, while Draw No Bet applies to matches and refunds the stake if the result is a draw.
Do all bookmakers offer NRNB? No. It is a concession rather than a universal rule, so some bookmakers offer it on selected races or during major festivals, while others have different conditions.
