What happens if my greyhound doesn't run after I've placed an ante-post bet?

Under standard ante-post terms, your stake is forfeited. If the greyhound is withdrawn, injured, retired, or eliminated during the tournament heats before reaching the final, the bet is settled as a loser and no refund is issued. This applies regardless of the reason for the non-runner. The only exception is if you placed your bet under a "No Runner No Bet" (NRNB) promotion, in which case your stake is returned if the dog doesn't run. NRNB offers are promotional and not available on every event or at every bookmaker — check the specific terms before betting.

When is the best time to place an ante-post greyhound bet?

There is no single "best" time — it depends on your risk tolerance. Betting six or more weeks before the first heats gives you the longest odds but the least information. Betting in the one-to-two week window before heats begin offers a balance: entry lists are published, trial form is available, and prices remain longer than race-day equivalents. Betting during the tournament itself provides the most information but the shortest prices. Most experienced ante-post bettors favour the pre-heat window, where enough form data exists to make an informed judgment without sacrificing the bulk of the price advantage.

What is the difference between ante-post and day-of-race greyhound betting?

The key differences are timing, odds, and non-runner protection. Ante-post bets are placed days or weeks before the event at fixed odds that are significantly longer than race-day prices. However, if your dog doesn't run, your stake is typically lost. Day-of-race bets are placed after the field is confirmed and trap draws are known. Odds are shorter, but you benefit from non-runner protections — if a dog is withdrawn, your bet is voided and your stake returned. Ante-post is a higher-risk, higher-reward format; day-of-race betting carries lower volatility with correspondingly lower prices.