1. Definition
In horse racing, “Scratched” or “Excluded” refers to the official removal of a horse from a scheduled race before it begins. This decision is typically made by the race organizer and occurs before the final race lineup is confirmed. It differs from a voluntary withdrawal or a late scratch just before the start.
2. Background and Process
Horses may be excluded from a race for several reasons, including:
- Oversubscription: Too many horses registered for the limited number of starting positions
- Failure to meet eligibility conditions, such as class or prize money requirements
- Medical or veterinary assessments (though these may also fall under “late scratch” or “post-time scratch”)
Once excluded, the horse is not allowed to run in that race and may be entered in a future one.
3. Examples and Usage
- “Horse #8 was excluded by lottery due to oversubscription.”
- “The horse failed to qualify based on earnings and was scratched.”
- “The trainer plans to enter the excluded horse in next week’s race instead.”
These phrases are commonly found in race cards, official announcements, and pre-race analyses.
4. Distinctions from Related Terms
- “Scratch” or “Withdrawal” refers to a voluntary removal after the horse has been confirmed as an entrant
- “Late Scratch” or “Post-Time Exclusion” occurs shortly before the race due to sudden health or behavioral issues
- “Excluded” typically applies when the horse was not selected or qualified before entries were finalized
5. Tips and Considerations
- Exclusion is not related to a horse’s popularity or ability—it is often procedural or regulatory
- Horses excluded before betting begins are not included in the wagering pool, so refunds are unnecessary
- Fans should check the final race card to identify which horses were excluded
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What’s the difference between “Scratched” and “Excluded”?
A. “Scratched” is a general term; “Excluded” usually refers to being removed by the organizer before final entry confirmation.
Q2. What happens to excluded horses?
A. They are often re-entered in future races or rescheduled for a different track.
Q3. When are exclusions announced?
A. Usually after entry nominations close and the final field is determined (e.g., Thursday for JRA races).
7. Related Terms
- Scratch / Withdrawal
- Late Scratch
- Lottery Draw
- Race Card
- Nomination
8. Summary
Exclusion is a formal process by which horses are ruled out from participating in a race due to entry limits, conditions, or other organizational decisions. Understanding the concept helps bettors and fans interpret race fields accurately and plan accordingly.