Bookmakers set to refund ante-post bets on Turners Novices' Chase in wake of Cheltenham Festival changes

A number of bookmakers have voided ante-post bets on the Turners Novices’ Chase at next year’s Cheltenham Festival due to the incoming changes to the conditions of the contest.

On Tuesday, the Racing Post reported the Turners would be downgraded from a Grade 1 conditions race to a novice handicap chase as part of a revamped programme aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the festival.

Under Tattersalls Committee rules that govern bets placed on races in Britain, a customer is entitled to a full refund “if the conditions of the race entry are changed prior to the start of the race”.

Ballyburn had headed the ante-post market for the Turners – a position he also holds in the My Pension Expert Arkle and Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – following his impressive victory in the 2m5f Grade 1 novice hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival.

Bet365, Paddy Power, Sky Bet, Betfair, BetMGM and Betfred refunded customer stakes on bets involving the Turners and will settle multiple bets without the inclusion of any horse selected for the race. Other firms are expected to refund bets once confirmation of the changes are announced.

Ballyburn: had been ante-post favourite for the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

In addition to refunding bets, spokesmen for Paddy Power and Sky Bet said customer bets had been recorded and would be paid out as winners, in addition to the refunds, if the selection they had initially made went on to win the revised Turners Novices’ Chase.

The change to the Turners at next year’s festival will not be the only change to the race programme, with the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase reverting to a handicap from a conditions race and horses being required to run more often before being eligible for handicaps.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “We are happy with the changes as they should only help with competitiveness at what is already one of the best weeks of racing. This increased competitiveness is something racing fans want to see.”

Last season, there were seven odds-on favourites at the festival and the changes were viewed positively by bookmakers. Barry Orr, Betfair head of racing PR, said: “Anything that increases the competitiveness at Cheltenham is always welcome for punters. It’s not been ideal having as many odds-on favourites as there have been and these changes should make for more competitive betting heats.

“The novices’ handicap chase that used to be run at Cheltenham was always a cracking betting heat, and its reintroduction can only help the Arkle and the Brown Advisory too.”

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