Ante Post betting is where you bet on an event (in this case, a horse race) before the actual participants are confirmed.

Sometimes, markets are formed by the bookmakers months before a race is due to be run. This is especially true of the popular races such as The Grand National and The Cheltenham Gold Cup etc.

By backing a horse at this stage, you will usually be able to obtain a price far higher than would be available on the day of the race.

However, there is the added risk with this form of betting that if your selection does not end up taking part in the race, you lose your stake.

Most of the big bookmakers will offer non-runner, no bet on the big races whereby your stake is refunded if the horse you picked does not end up contesting the race but this usually does not come into play until a week or so before the race is due to be run.

A blue 'NRNB' icon will appear next to the race odds icon as soon as Non-Runner, No Bet information becomes available for a particular race, clicking on this icon will take you to the Race Odds which will also show you which bookmakers are making the offer.