Pulled Up In Horse Racing: What Does It Mean?
If you’ve ever placed a bet on a horse race, or simply watched one, you may have come across the term “pulled up” next to a horse’s name on the results list. For many new to horse racing, this can be confusing. What does it mean? Why was the horse pulled up? And if you placed a bet, what happens to your stake?
This blog will break down exactly what “pulled up” means in UK horse racing. You’ll learn how it may affect your bet, why it happens, and what the abbreviation “PU” stands for. Whether you’re brand new to horse racing, or you’re simply learning more before you bet, this guide can help you understand the basics – clearly and simply.
What Does Pulled Up Mean In Horse Racing?
In UK horse racing, “pulled up” means the jockey has chosen to stop the horse from continuing the race. This decision is usually made for the horse’s wellbeing. It doesn’t mean the horse has been disqualified or penalised. Instead, it often signals that something didn’t feel quite right during the race.
A jockey might pull up a horse if they feel it’s becoming tired, moving uncomfortably, or showing signs of a minor injury. Pulling up is a safety-first action – for both the horse and the jockey. The goal is to try and prevent any further harm and allow the horse to recover properly.
When a horse is pulled up, it will not finish the race and will not receive a final position. In race results, this is recorded clearly so that it’s easy to see what happened.
What Is PU In Horse Racing?
The letters “PU” in race results stand for “Pulled Up”. This is a common shorthand used across racecards, results pages, and betting slips. If you see “PU” next to a horse’s name, it means the horse was pulled up and did not finish the race.
You’ll usually find this next to the horse’s name when looking at their past performance. It’s there to help you see any potential patterns or trends, especially if you’re researching before placing a bet.
For example, if a horse has been pulled up in recent races, it might be worth looking into why that happened. However, keep in mind that each race is different, and past performance doesn’t predict future results. There are many factors involved – including the race distance, ground conditions, and how the horse felt on the day.
Why Do Horses Get Pulled Up?
Horses can be pulled up for several reasons, but the most common is fatigue. If a horse becomes too tired or starts to struggle mid-race, the jockey may decide it’s safer to stop. Other times, a horse may be slightly lame, slip, or simply not respond well during the race.
Veterinary checks are often done after a horse has been pulled up, especially in competitive events. Trainers, jockeys and officials work together to protect the animal’s welfare.
Some races, such as steeplechases or hurdle events, can be more demanding. These include jumps and longer distances, which may increase the likelihood of a horse being pulled up. On average, around 3–5% of runners in jump races in the UK are pulled up.
It’s important to note that pulling up a horse is not a sign of poor performance. It’s a safety step that can help prevent long-term injury or distress.
What Happens To Your Bet If Your Horse Is Pulled Up?
If you’ve placed a bet on a horse and it gets pulled up during the race, it means the horse didn’t finish. In this case, the bet is usually treated as a losing bet.
This applies whether you’ve placed a win-only bet, or an each-way bet. In a win-only bet, your horse must come first to win. If it doesn’t finish, your stake is lost. In an each-way bet, the place part of your bet also relies on your horse finishing in one of the top positions. Again, if the horse is pulled up and doesn’t finish, neither part of the bet is successful.
Sportsbooks and bookmakers may differ slightly in how they settle certain bet types. It may be a good idea to read the terms and conditions of your chosen betting provider, especially if you’re using offers or promotions.
Remember, betting on sports like horse racing involves an element of chance. There’s no way to predict the outcome with certainty, and any winnings can’t be guaranteed.
Do You Get Money Back If Your Horse Is Pulled Up?
In most cases, if your horse is pulled up during a race, you won’t get your money back. The bet is settled as a loss because the horse did not finish the race or place in the required positions.
There are exceptions, but these usually depend on the specific bookmaker or sportsbook you’re using. Some might offer “non-runner no bet” promotions – but these typically apply only if a horse is withdrawn before the race starts, not during the race.
If you’re betting through an exchange rather than a traditional bookmaker, the rules can be slightly different. An exchange lets you bet against other people, rather than the betting company. In these cases, your bet is also likely to be settled as a loss if your horse pulls up.
To avoid any surprises, it may be worth checking how your chosen betting platform handles these situations. Some may offer promotions that include some form of stake refund, but this isn’t guaranteed and is usually part of a temporary offer.
It’s also wise to only bet what you can afford to lose and to set limits that help you stay in control of your gambling. Free tools such as deposit limits, reality checks, and time-outs are widely available with UK-licensed operators.
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**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.