New pick 3 scratch rule

The California Horse Racing Board on Wednesday will implement a rule that allows for a consolation payoff or refund in the case of a scratch from a pick-three race.

Bettors who have a horse scratched out of the second or third leg of a pick three after the first leg of the wager has been run will receive a consolation payoff. If a scratch occurs before the first leg has been run, the bet is refunded.

The previous rule gave bettors the race favorite in place of the scratched horse.

The CHRB amended the pick-three rule last year to allow for the consolation payoffs, but the implementation of the rule was delayed until tote company officials could adapt the software.