Horseracing: Cheltenham ante-post bets declared void

The decision of the major bookmakers to refund all ante-post bets on the Cheltenham Festival has been given the approval of the Tattersalls Committee.

There had been criticism of the decision in some quarters as the races concerned could still be staged at a postponed Festival next month.

However, the organisation agreed that all such bets should be void as the races have been reopened.

A statement from the Tattersalls Committee said: "Tattersalls Committee announce that all ante-post bets for the cancelled Cheltenham meeting are void as covered by their existing Rule 4A (3)."

The rule voids such bets "If the 'conditions' of the race entry are changed prior to the horses coming under starter's orders".