First past the post rules are offered by almost every bookie as standard now, but what are they, and how can they affect your winnings if you are lucky enough to back a winner but unlucky enough to have it taken away from you?
Every horse racing punter has been there at some point, finally got a good winner, only for there to be a stewards’ enquiry? Is their horse the victim of an amended result or worse, a disqualification?
This used to mean that you would no longer get paid out on your bet, but times have changed, and many online bookmakers now offer the first past the post rule.
Below is an example of what happens in the steward’s room after the steward’s enquiry tone goes off after a race that may have had interference or something untoward happen at the finish
There is nothing worse than losing out when you finally pick a winner, I am betting now you want to know more about this,s so let’s go into a bit more detail about where you can get this feature today.
What Is The First Past The Post Rule?
First past the post means that the bookmaker will pay out for the horse which crosses the line first, even if they are later disqualified or downgraded in the race via an amended result or stewards’ enquiry.
If you have a bookie offering the first past the post payout, you are good either way.
Many of you use horse racing tipsters and will want to give yourself the best chance of a winner, so having first past the post payout is a must, as well as best odds guaranteed.
What Bookmakers Offer First Past The Post Payout?
Now that you know what it is and that you should not be backing horses with online bookmakers without it, it’s time to find out who offers it as standard.
I have given the basic terms for each Bookmaker offering first past the post, but be sure to check with them for full details, as each bookie will differ.
Not all of these are subject to chang,e and you should always check the actual bookmaker’s website for full details before you place a bet.
Betfair
All bets placed on the UK and Irish horse racing will be settled on First Past the Post AND the official result on the day. Any subsequent disqualification will not affect the settlement of bets.
This offer applies to winning single and multiple bets and the win part of Each-Way bets placed only.
Exceptions: The exceptions where the double result does not apply and bets are only settled according to the official result are:
- A selection of taking the wrong course
- A selection carrying the wrong weight or the jockey failing to weigh in
- Any bets placed at a non-UK/IRE race meeting
- A Forecast or Tricast bet
- A void race
- Any Tote/Pari-Mutuel bet
- OddsBoost markets
- A selection is given as the winner in error by the judge
William Hill
William Hill is a trusted name in bookmaking with a reliable first past the post policy. This British betting company has been around for decades and designed its FPTP offerings to protect horse racing bettors.
William Hill FPTP policy
The company’s first past the post approach gives bettors great value. They pay winning bets on both the official race winner and the horse that finishes first, even after disqualification. You get paid from both sides when stewards need to review the race.
This policy works for win singles/multiple bets and the win portion of each way single/multiple bets on the race winner market. The best part? If you back both horses in a disputed finish – the first one to cross and the later official winner – William Hill pays out both bets.
Bettors can relax knowing their winning bet gets paid even if their horse gets disqualified after crossing first. This protection helps when betting on races where interference might change the final result.
William Hill key features
The company offers several excellent features beyond FPTP:
- Best Odds Guaranteed starts at 8 AM on race day for UK and Irish horse racing
- Live racing streams through their Betting TV Live platform
- Extra Places deals on selected daily races
- Smart Cash Out options for win-only horse racing singles and multiples
- Pick Your Places markets let customers choose place terms for each-way bets
Their racing markets cover many bet types like win markets, match bets, place markets, and betting without options. Each-way value comes with clear pricing terms based on field size. These range from win-only markets in races with fewer than five runners to four places for handicaps with 16+ runners.
William Hill exceptions
The FPTP policy has some limits. It only works for horse racing in the UK and Ireland. The policy doesn’t cover:
- Tricast and forecast bets
- Antepost bets
- Totepool bets
- The Grand National
- Races where horses carry below the recommended weight
- Distance markets or favourite points markets
- Horses taking the wrong courses
- Judge errors
- Two-runner races
Keep in mind that demoted horses differ from disqualified ones. For demotion cases, bettors get their stake back plus any place payout if their horse stays in the places after demotion.
William Hill is best for
William Hill excels at providing clear policies and detailed market coverage. Their user-friendly website makes navigation simple.
Racing fans get great insights through William Hill Radio’s expert commentary and tips. Their mobile app gives an exceptional betting experience and ranks as the second-best betting app available.
The platform shines for serious horse racing enthusiasts. They protect bets against stewards’ room decisions while offering great betting features and tools.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power brings its distinctive personality and Irish heritage to their first past the post offerings through irreverent marketing. Their strategy combines customer-friendly policies with unique racing promotions.
Paddy Power FPTP policy
Paddy Power has a complete double result policy. They pay out on both the first horse to cross the line and the official winner after any stewards ask for reviews. This applies to all horse racing selections in Ireland and the UK covered in their Full Service.
The policy is straightforward. You’ll get your winnings if your selection finishes first past the post but loses position after a review. Your horse might not cross the line first, but gets promoted to winner after an objection before the “weigh in” or “winner alright” – Paddy Power will pay you out.
This double result protection goes beyond simple win bets. It covers place betting, betting without a favourite, fallers insurance, combined horses, and all Insurebet markets.
Paddy Power key features
Paddy Power’s offerings extend beyond their FPTP policy with several standout features:
- Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish horse racing from 8 am on race day
- Money Back if 2nd markets refund stakes for second-place finishes
- Money Back if the 2nd or 3rd options give broader place protection
- Money Back if Your Horse Falls covers jumps racing
- Betting Without markets lets you back a horse to beat all but one of these runners
Their platform shows its strength in horse racing promotions. “Power Prices” gives better odds on specific doubles, trebles, and specials, including jockey performance specials across multiple races.
Paddy Power exceptions
Paddy Power’s FPTP protection has some limitations:
- Future Racing/Antepost bets
- Tote dividend-reliant bets like Jackpots and Placepots
- Horses are disqualified for taking the wrong course
- Horses carrying incorrect weight
- Races declared void
- Horse racing outside Ireland/UK
- Races without an industry Starting Price
- In-running betting markets
- Power Prices, #WhatOddsPaddy or Specials
- The Aintree Grand National
Future Racing or Antepost bets follow the Rules of Racing basis – official results only.
Paddy Power is best for
Paddy Power appeals to punters who enjoy entertainment with solid betting protection. Their strategy combines practical FPTP coverage and customer enjoyment.
UK and Irish racing enthusiasts benefit from their double result policy’s complete coverage. Security-conscious punters appreciate their strong infrastructure – “Internet Bouncers” protect their servers along with biometrics, guards, and cameras.
Customer reviews often mention Paddy Power’s quick payouts and responsive service. They are perfect for bettors who want solid first past the post protection, entertaining promotional offers, and a user-friendly experience in both online and retail betting.
Bet365
Bet365 leads bookmakers with its complete first past the post policies. Their double result offer is the lifeblood of their racing package, making them the preferred choice for serious horse racing bettors.
Bet365 FPTP policy
The Double Result offer from Bet365 stands out as one of the most generous you’ll find. They pay out on both the disqualified horse and the official winner for all Win and Each Way bets. Your winnings are safe even if your selection crosses the line first but loses after a stewards’ inquiry.
Bet365 goes beyond simple UK and Irish racing. They include events in the US, Germany, France, South Africa, and Mauritius where Fixed Odds are available. This policy covers many bet types, so you can wager however you like.
The best part about Bet365’s system? It’s straightforward. No anxious waiting during a stewards’ inquiry. They stick to their motto: “First past the post is the winner!”
Bet365 key features
The platform offers several outstanding features that improve the horse racing betting experience:
Best Odds Guaranteed starts at 8 am on race day, before most competitors. You’ll get paid at higher odds if your selection wins and the SP beats your initial price.
Their cash-out service is their most innovative feature. Bet365 provides exceptional partial and automatic cash-out options. You can:
- Choose specific percentages to cash out
- Set up automatic triggers at preset values
- Lock in partial profits while keeping the rest in play
Each Way Extra lets you adjust the number of places in a race for each-way bets. You can add places with reduced odds or remove them to get better odds on your pick.
Their streaming service is exceptional. You get HD quality live broadcasts from multiple racing venues without placing a bet – just keep your account active.
Bet365 exceptions
Bet365’s FPTP offer has some limitations:
- Tote bets don’t qualify for Double Result
- Colossus bets are excluded
- “Not to Win” markets aren’t included
- Jollies and Rags markets don’t apply
- Horses taking the wrong courses
- Objections from the Clerk of Scales
- Wrong number transmissions
- Unfair advantages at race starts
Bet365 best for
Serious racing bettors who want flexibility and protection will love Bet365. Their 8 am Best Odds Guaranteed beats the competition, and their cash-out options give you total control over your bets.
The platform works great for tech-savvy bettors. The mobile app includes all features instead of a stripped-down website version. One-click betting helps a lot with in-play wagering.
Bet365 excels for bettors who need first past the post protection and financial security. Their annual revenue tops £0.79 billion, so they can handle big payouts quickly and maintain innovative betting technology.
Betfred
Betfred started as a small betting shop in northern England back in 1967. Brothers Fred and Peter Done built it into a major betting powerhouse that now runs over 1,600 betting shops across the UK. Their 55-year-old experience makes them a top choice for horse racing fans.
Betfred FPTP policy
Betfred’s generous first past the post policy pays out on horses that finish first, whatever happens with stewards’ decisions later. You’ll get paid twice if the official winner differs from the first horse past the post.
This policy covers the UK and Irish horse racing markets. You won’t lose your winnings because of decisions made after the race. The policy works with most standard bets on their platform.
Betfred key features
Betfred doesn’t stop at first past the post protection. Here are some great features they offer:
- Enhanced Place Terms – Extra places on major races
- Best Odds Guaranteed – You’ll always get the highest odds
- Free Bets for Second-Place Finishes – A nice bonus when your horse comes second
- Combination Bet Bonuses – Extra rewards for winning accumulators
Their 55 years in the business helped create what they call “one of the best sports betting experiences available”. Betfred’s reputation shines through big sponsorships like Wilder vs Fury II, Betfred British Masters Golf, Manchester United, and Super League Rugby.
Betfred exceptions
Betfred’s terms and conditions list these exceptions to their first past the post policy:
- No ante-post bets
- Tricast and forecast bets aren’t included
- The Aintree Grand National isn’t covered
- Horses taking the wrong courses don’t count
- Jockey weight issues void the protection
- Tote bets aren’t included
- Special markets and “without the favourite” bets don’t qualify
- Void races aren’t covered
Betfred caps the extra FPTP payout at £5,000 above normal winnings. This limit protects them from huge payouts while giving most bettors good coverage.
Betfred best for
Betfred shines when you want detailed racing protection and attractive promotions. Their mix of FPTP coverage with extras like enhanced place terms and second-place free bets makes a great package.
The company runs more than 1,600 betting shops, perfect for people who like both online and in-person betting. Their deep sporting connections since 1967 mean better event coverage and competitive odds.
Betfred works great for casual bettors who want simple, clear policies. Their first past the post rules cover common bets and skip specialised wagers, making everything easy to understand.
Unibet
Unibet’s strong European heritage and UK market presence make it a trusted name for horse racing bettors who want first past the post protection. The company’s clear racing rules set it apart from other prominent bookmakers.
Unibet FPTP policy
Unibet’s dual payout protection gives bettors extra security through its first past the post policy. They pay out on both the original winner and official result for all win and each way singles and multiples in UK and Irish horse racing. Your winnings are safe even if stewards disqualify your winning horse after an inquiry.
This policy works in your favour in multiple ways. You win if your horse finishes first but gets demoted later. You also win if your horse doesn’t cross first, but officials promote it to the winner. This double result system protects you from the disappointment of post-race decisions.
Unibet key features
Unibet stands out with several attractive features:
- Competitive odds that match major rivals, especially in European markets
- Large betting markets for major and smaller racing events
- Detailed in-play betting options let you adjust during events
- User-friendly platform with a clear layout and accessible navigation
- Secure payment methods for private and reliable transactions
The Unibet mobile app delivers a complete betting experience. Users get the same features as the website, perfect for betting while moving around.
Unibet exceptions
Notwithstanding that, Unibet’s FPTP protection excludes:
- Antepost bets
- Tote or pari-mutuel bets
- Forecasts and Tricasts
- Void races
- Cases where horses carry incorrect weight or jockeys fail to weigh in
- Instances where selections take the wrong course
- Selections given as winners or placed by the judge error
- Incorrect result transmissions
- Amended results after official declaration
- Special markets (Favourite Points, Distances, Without the Favourite, Special Match Bets)
- Two-runner races
Unibet best for
Unibet shines especially when you have an interest in European racing coverage, including UK and Irish meetings. The platform suits bettors who prefer a clean, simple betting interface without extra complications.
The core team responds quickly to customer needs through live chat and freephone support. This approach appeals to experienced bettors looking for detailed protections and newcomers who need available assistance.
Unibet proves to be an excellent choice for horse racing fans. They combine reliable first past the post protection with competitive odds in an accessible betting environment.
Boyle Sports
BoyleSports stands as Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker with a unique approach to their first past the post offerings. This family-owned business delivers racing-focused features that regular punters love.
BoyleSports FPTP policy
BoyleSports uses a dual settlement approach for horse racing bets. The company pays out on both first past the post and the official result for all UK, Irish, and South African horse racing. This policy covers winning single and multiple bets placed on outright betting markets without staking restrictions.
A stewards’ inquiry might lead to a disqualification, but the double-result policy protects you both ways. Your bet wins even if your selection crosses the line first and faces disqualification later.
BoyleSports key features
BoyleSports provides several great betting features:
- Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK/Irish horse racing that kicks in when the starting price beats your original odds
- ACCA Boost for accumulators with 3+ selections that rewards you more based on the number of legs
- ACCA Insure gives back your stake as a free bet if one leg of your 5+ fold accumulator fails
On top of that, their Best Odds Guaranteed offer includes BAGS/BEGS greyhound races, which expands your racing coverage options.
BoyleSports exceptions
The FPTP policy doesn’t apply to:
- Selections taking the wrong course
- Horses carrying incorrect weight
- Jockeys failing to weigh in
- Ante-post bets
- Void races
- Tote/Pari-Mutuel bets
- Two-runner races
- “Win Inrunning” markets
Daily payout limits vary by racing type and jurisdiction.
BoyleSports best for
Accumulator bettors will love BoyleSports’ dual ACCA promotions. The platform offers boost options for winning multiples and insurance for near-misses. Punters who enjoy both horse and greyhound racing benefit from their Best Odds Guaranteed policy across both sports.
The platform shines for bettors who focus on UK, Irish, and South African racing. Their FPTP policy delivers full coverage with no staking limits.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes leads technological innovation in the betting industry. The platform provides strong first past the post protection that keeps horse racing enthusiasts safe from stewards’ decisions.
Ladbrokes FPTP policy
Ladbrokes settles all UK and Irish horse racing bets on a double result basis. Bettors can win in two ways: their horse crosses the finish line first (First Past the Post) or their selection becomes the official winner after weigh-in and potential stewards’ decisions.
The double result concession applies to win-only and each-way singles and multiples placed on race day for UK and Irish horse racing. Your winning bet stays valid even if your horse gets disqualified or demoted after crossing the line first.
Ladbrokes key features
The platform’s features go beyond their FPTP policy:
- #GetABet on Twitter – punters can ask for bespoke odds for creative flutters not standard on their site
- Live Accumulator Editing – users can modify ongoing accumulators even when one selection performs poorly
- Complete Live Streaming – bettors can watch their wagered races live
Ladbrokes performs best with basketball and cricket betting markets and provides second-best-in-class live streaming services. The app’s design focuses on accessibility, so bettors can place wagers minutes after downloading.
Ladbrokes exceptions
The FPTP policy, while generous, doesn’t apply to:
- Ante-post bets
- Forecast and tricast bets
- Bets on the Aintree Grand National
- Horses are taking the wrong course
- Judge errors
- Horses carrying incorrect weight
- Winning horses whose jockeys fail to weigh in
- Void races
- Special match bets or two-runner races
- Tote or Pari-Mutuel bets
- Special or “betting without favourites” markets
Ladbrokes best for
Accumulator bettors love Ladbrokes, which ranks third-best for accumulator betting among major bookmakers. The simplified app with fingerprint access and easy-to-use navigation makes it perfect for mobile-first punters.
The platform works great for international bettors who handle multiple currencies. Remember that their FPTP concession only applies to UK and Irish racing. Creative bettors looking for customised odds not available through standard markets will find the #GetABet feature valuable.
Coral– Do corals pay first past the post?
When it comes to Coral’s first past the post rules, no, the double results concession will no longer apply to all single and multiple bets at UK and Irish racecourses as of 2024.
Please be wary of betting terminals and this new rule if placing bets.
SkyBet
Sky Bet combines state-of-the-art technology with detailed racing coverage, making it a strong contender among bookmakers that offer first past the post concessions in 2025.
Sky Bet FPTP policy
Sky Bet uses what they call a “Double Result” approach to first past the post situations. They pay out on horses that cross the finish line first, whatever happens of whether they’re later disqualified or downgraded in the official result. This protection covers all fixed odds racing and includes UK, Irish, and international events.
Sky Bet goes beyond simple bet types. Their first past the post protection applies to forecasts, tricasts, RequestABets, enhanced accumulators, specials, derived markets, and in-running horse racing bets. Bettors get detailed coverage in almost all racing markets.
Sky Bet key features
Sky Bet’s racing features go beyond their FPTP policy:
- Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish racing
- Extra Place promotions are regularly available on major races
- Money Back concessions on feature races every Saturday
- Price Boosts are provided daily by their trading team
- Live Streaming of races through their platform
Their mobile platform delivers exceptional functionality instead of a stripped-down version. Bettors can make strategic decisions on the go. The interface stays simple, with everything placed logically for easy navigation.
Sky Bet exceptions
Sky Bet’s FPTP policy has some exceptions:
- Horses are disqualified for failing to weigh in correctly
- Horses are taking the wrong course
- Official corrections to results prior to “weigh in”
- Races declared void
- Tote dividend-based bets (Placepots, Jackpots, etc.)
- Horses disqualified during trotting races
Sky Bet is best for
Sky Bet shines especially when you have punters looking for detailed tech integration with FPTP protection. Their platform stands among the UK’s leading bookmakers with a detailed yet simple website and app.
The platform suits bettors who value extra places in featured races. They typically offer more places than standard terms in major events. Their free-to-play games like Super 6 are a great way to get entertainment value beyond standard betting.
Sky Bet ended up being perfect for punters who love first past the post protection and frequent odds boosts. Their trading team regularly enhances prices to give better value.
Quinnbet
First Past the Post is offered for all races in the UK & Ireland (see website for exceptions)
BetGoodwin is a fresh face in online betting. They’ve brought old-school bookmaking values to their first past the post offerings. The brand, owned by Goodwin Racing Limited, has policies that horse racing fans really appreciate.
BetGoodwin FPTP policy
BetGoodwin uses a “Double Result” system that pays out on both the first past the post winner and the official result in UK and Irish horse races. You’ll get your winnings if your horse crosses the line first, even if it gets disqualified later through a stewards’ inquiry.
The policy only applies to win markets, and bets must follow standard racing rules about correct weights and courses. This protection focuses on mainstream racing markets instead of speciality bets.
BetGoodwin key features
BetGoodwin stands out with these distinctive features:
- Competitive odds with Best Odds Guaranteed – they’ll pay the bigger price if the SP beats your initial odds
- Sports betting options of all types beyond horse racing, including football, cricket, darts, and greyhound betting
- Live betting choices in many sports markets
- A customer-first approach that builds on their telephone betting roots
BetGoodwin exceptions
BetGoodwin’s FPTP policy has some important limits:
- Benefits cap out at £/€1000 per bet
- Bets placed before 10:00 don’t qualify
- The policy leaves out ante-post bets, special markets, and international racing
- Races with incorrect courses or weights aren’t covered
- Rule 4 deductions still apply under standard betting rules
BetGoodwin best for
BetGoodwin suits mid-stake punters who love UK and Irish racing perfectly. The £1000 per-bet limit might not work for big spenders, but it protects most casual bettors well.
The platform attracts traditional bettors who like their telephone betting background combined with modern online features. Early birds should remember the 10:00 cutoff time for FPTP coverage.
First Past The Post Comparison Table
| Bookie | FPTP Coverage | Double Result | Exception | BOG | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | UK, Ireland, US, Germany, France, South Africa, Mauritius | Yes | Tote bets, Colossus bets, “Not to Win” markets | From 8 am on race day | Each Way Extra, Partial/Auto Cash-out, HD streaming |
| William Hill | UK and Ireland only | Yes | Grand National, Antepost, Tote, Two-runner races | From 8 am on race day | Pick Your Places, Betting TV Live, Extra Places daily |
| Betfred | UK and Ireland only | Yes – max £5,000 additional payout | Ante-post, Grand National, Tote bets, Special markets | Yes (time not specified) | Enhanced Place Terms, Free Bets for Second-Place |
| Paddy Power | UK and Ireland only | Yes | Antepost, Tote, In-Running betting, Grand National | From 8am on race day | Money Back if 2nd/3rd, Power Prices, Fallers Insurance |
| Unibet | UK and Ireland only | Yes | Antepost, Tote, Two-runner races, Special markets | Yes (time not specified) | Extensive in-play betting, European market coverage |
| BoyleSports | UK, Ireland, South Africa | Yes | Ante-post, Tote, Two-runner races, “Win Inrunning” | Yes (time not specified) | ACCA Boost, ACCA Insure |
| Sky Bet | UK, Ireland, International | Yes | Tote bets, Void races, Wrong course | Yes (time not specified) | Extra Places, Price Boosts, Live Streaming |
| Ladbrokes | UK and Ireland only | Yes | Ante-post, Grand National, Forecasts/Tricasts | Yes (time not specified) | #GetABet, Live Accumulator Editing |
| BetGoodwin | UK and Ireland only | Yes – max £1,000 per bet | Ante-post, International racing, Bets before 10:00 | Yes (time not specified) | Traditional telephone betting service |
First Past The Post Rules – The Conclusion
Looking at nine leading bookmakers with first past the post protection reveals clear patterns. These policies will give you valuable insurance against stewards’ decisions that can break your heart. They can also boost your long-term racing returns substantially.
William Hill and Bet365 lead the pack with their detailed double result approaches. Bet365 shines with coverage in six countries and Best Odds Guaranteed starting at 8 am. William Hill offers equally strong FPTP coverage but only for UK and Irish racing.
All but one of these providers has some limits. Bookmakers don’t include ante-post betting in FPTP protection. The Grand National stays exempt ,whatever provider you choose. Tote bets also don’t get FPTP coverage anywhere.
Your betting priorities will help you pick the ideal bookmaker. Players who love accumulators might prefer BoyleSports because of their ACCA Boost and ACCA Insure features. Paddy Power works great if you want detailed place protection through Money Back offers. Sky Bet’s digital platform gives an unmatched experience for tech-savvy players.
My research shows that first past the post protection matters a lot when selecting a bookmaker. This protection turns potential losses into wins when stewards make their decisions. Different bookmakers have different terms, but this protection has saved many winning bets that would have been lost despite horses finishing first.
Check your bookmaker’s FPTP policy before your next horse racing bet. Knowing your protection levels and gaps will help you avoid disappointment when post-race drama happens.
First Past The Post – Your FAQs
Q1. What does “first past the post” mean in horse racing betting? First past the post refers to a bookmaker policy where they pay out on the horse that crosses the finish line first, even if it’s later disqualified after a stewards’ inquiry.
Q2. Which bookmakers offer the best first past the post protection? Bet365 and William Hill are widely considered to offer some of the most comprehensive first past the post policies, with double result payouts and coverage across multiple countries.
Q3. Are there any races excluded from first past the post policies? Most bookmakers exclude the Aintree Grand National from their first past the post protection. Ante-post bets and tote bets are also commonly excluded.
Q4. Do first past the post policies apply to all types of bets? Generally, first past the post policies apply to win and each-way bets on standard race winner markets. Special markets, forecasts, and tricasts are often excluded.
Q5. How does “Best Odds Guaranteed” relate to first past the post? While separate from first past the post, Best Odds Guaranteed is another bettor-friendly policy offered by many bookmakers. It ensures you get paid at the higher odds if the starting price is greater than the price you took when placing your bet.
Ensure that you fully check with the bookmaker before replacing any bets. It’s your responsibility to double-check the rules with your chosen bookmaker before you start betting.
We hope you found this betting guide useful. Please ensure to check out our other betting guides as well as our daily free tips.
