antepost

Antepost, or ante-post, is a betting term describing wagers placed before an event’s final field is known or before the event starts. The term is most commonly used in horse racing to describe bets made well in advance of a race, especially around major festivals or feature races.

How antepost betting works can differ by bookmaker, but the core idea is that the odds are fixed at the time the bet is placed. If the event goes ahead and the selected horse runs, winnings are calculated using those locked-in odds, regardless of later price movements. If the horse is withdrawn or the race is canceled, bookmakers typically void the bet or refund the stake under their terms; some promotions may offer alternative arrangements such as non-runner no bet.

The appeal of antepost betting lies in the potential for high returns if a long-shot proves successful or if early market confidence grows and the price becomes more favorable for the bettor. It also allows bettors to lock in a price before much of the public attention and subsequent price movements. The main risk is uncertainty: the horse may be withdrawn, the race may be rescheduled, or odds may move unfavorably after the bet is placed, leaving the bettor exposed to changing prices.

Beyond horse racing, antepost is sometimes used to describe long-range bets on other sports or events, though the term remains most closely associated with racing.

See also: futures betting, non-runner no bet.