Skybet Rule 4 deduction. Advice Please

[Stevesharpe]

Reading the terms from the Ladbrokes site I think it appears that Skybet have settled correctly, much as I may disagree. I have backed thousands of horses and had 100+ winners, some rule 4 and I've never had a problem before.

Effectually it's not too bad as I had an underlay in place as it was a 12 / 10 arb so I'm still up. I also placed a small bet at Stan James for the free chip qualifier at 13 / 11 which netted a £23 return as they deducted 10p in the pound, but then I don't know what price the withdrawn horse was at Stans when I placed my bet.

You live and learn I suppose.

Thanks to everyone for their help by the way

[Stevesharpe]

From the racing post website

Tattersalls Rule 4 (c). One of the most commonly invoked betting rules, dealing with deductions from winning bets in the event of any withdrawn runner(s) from a race. The rule applies to winning bets struck at prices (e.g. morning prices) laid before a withdrawal (other than ante-post bets, which are unaffected by Rule 4 (c)) and to starting-price bets where, after a late withdrawal, there is insufficient time to re-form the market. The rate of deductions is in proportion to the odds of the non-runner(s) at the time of the withdrawal.

1:55 - sportingbet Supports Heros All Weather "Hands And Heels" Apprentice Series Final Handicap
» Full result
1m, Class 4, £5,180.80
1 Gaily Noble 6/1
2 Prince Of Thebes 11/1
3 Follow The Flag 25/1
NR: Alfresco
11 ran Distances: nk, 3l, hd
TIME 1m 36.89s (slow by 0.89s)
Jockey: S P Ryan
Trainer: A B Haynes
toteswingers: 1&2 £10.90, 1&3 £26.00, 2&3 £27.50 WIN £6.50 PL £1.90, £2.60, £6.30
Ex £52.20
CSF £56.38
TRICAST £1136.89 TRIFECTA £161.80 Part won. Pool: £218.69 - 0.45 winning units. Pool of £120.27 carried over to Saturday 27th March.
RULE 4: Alfresco was withdrawn. Price at time of withdrawal 8/1. Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 10p in the pound.

[Fella]

I'm home from work now so I've rung Skybet and spoke to a trader. He claims that Tattersalls rule 4c applies to show prices, not early prices as it was specifically introduced for on course bookmakers.

So which of their own rules are they claiming cover this then? I thought the only reference to R4 in Sky's rules made reference to Tattersalls rule 4c? If he's saying that doesn't apply then where exactly in Sky's rules does it cover what's happened here..?

[Stevesharpe]

I couldn't sleep last night. It's not the money, I've made nearly 400 times that much. It's the principle. Unfortunately I can't let these things go, which is one of my worst faults.

At 2 am I completed the IBAS form, and now I'm obliged not to discuss any specifics relating to the complaint. I don't expect much to come of it, but we'll see

[dreamylittledream]

So which of their own rules are they claiming cover this then? I thought the only reference to R4 in Sky's rules made reference to Tattersalls rule 4c? If he's saying that doesn't apply then where exactly in Sky's rules does it cover what's happened here..?

Thats exactly what I was thinking - can only find references to rule 4c in Skybets general t&c.

I've never heard of a rule 4 being applied in this fashion so I am not persuaded its an industry standard by any means...

[Stevesharpe]

I know a couple of you were interested in this, and I have an adjudication.

IBAS have ruled that a bookie is entitled to impose a rule 4 based on the market in which you back, therefore as I backed in the early price market and the price of the horse withdrawn at the time I placed my bet was 4/1 a 20p rule 4 is acceptable despite the fact the withdrawn horse had drifted to 8/1 by the time it was withdrawn.

It is implied, but not stated that had I bet in the SP market then the price at time of withdrawal would be used

Hope this helps someone