BHA

Following ratification by the European Pattern Committee (EPC), there are several additional changes to the UK 2023 Flat Pattern and listed race programme, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Flat Pattern Committee (FPC) announced on Wednesday. The following races have been repositioned or relocated within the existing programme to help achieve a better spread of black-type opportunities in the relevant age and distance categories in 2023: Listed Abingdon S. (10f, 3yo, f, early June), previously run at Newbury, will now take place at Goodwood on Sunday, June 11 and be run...

The previously announced new whip regulations will go into force on Monday, but the way penalties are calculated has been "marginally adjusted" according to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Following feedback from jockeys, there were further amendments to the rules, and the bedding in period for jumps racing was extended by a week. Under the new regulations, use of the whip in the forehand position will be allowed, with the BHA having reversed a previous decision to ban it after riders' objections. However, use of the whip has been reduced...

The programming of over 60 high-value 2023 developmental races was announced by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Wednesday. Consisting of maidens and novices with purses between £30,000-£50,000, the races will be funded by the BHA, Darley, Juddmonte, and the hosting racecourses. The objective of the prize-money boost is two-fold, with the aims of supporting horses at the beginning of their careers combined with supporting the domestic breeding industry and ensuring more quality young horses are retained to race in the UK. This initiative is intended to be the first...

The bedding-in period for the new whip rules in Jumps racing has been extended by one week, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed on Friday. This follows a meeting between the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and a selection of jockeys. The extension, requested by jockeys and the PJA, was granted on account of the number of cancelled fixtures last week due to the frozen ground. The full implementation of the new rules for Jumps racing will begin on Feb. 13. The start of the bedding-in period for Flat racing remains...

The BHA has confirmed the addition of an all-weather fixture at Wolverhampton on Thursday, Jan. 19. Entries for the six-race card, which will carry the option to divide into eight, will close on Tuesday prior to the taking of declarations on Wednesday. Jockey confirmations for Kempton Park's fixture on Thursday will be made on Wednesday in order to line up with this additional Wolverhampton fixture. Levy Board has contributed £5,950 to the prize money costs for this fixture.

The 18 finalists for the 2023 UK Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin were announced on Friday. Three finalists remain in contention for each of the prizes which recognise and reward the outstanding skill, commitment and contribution of over 10,000 stud and stable staff in England, Scotland, and Wales. All of the finalists will receive a £250 prize for reaching this stage of the judging process. Judging day for the 18 will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, with the winners announced during a ceremony at York Racecourse later...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has made further adjustments to the revised whip rules to be implemented in Britain in the coming months, including scrapping the need for jockeys to use the whip solely backhand position. Instead, the threshold for the number of times the whip may be used per race has been reduced to six times on the Flat and seven times over jumps. Previously the limits had been set at seven and eight respectively. Penalties for breaching this limit, and for other misuse offences such as using the...

After the announcements that the Racing League and Sky Bet Sunday Series will return in 2023, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has amended the 2023 fixture list. The changes to the fixture list are below: May 2: Wolverhampton (additional evening fixture) May 8: Newcastle (additional evening fixture) May 9: Newcastle (additional evening fixture) May 14: Hamilton Park (Sunday Series, additional fixture) June 11: Beverley (Sunday Series, additional fixture) June 13: Southwell (additional afternoon fixture) July 27: Doncaster becomes an afternoon fixture July 27: Yarmouth becomes an evening fixture Aug 6:...

By Fran Berry The whip debate is not a new phenomenon. Who could forget High-Rise winning the Derby under Olivier Peslier in 1998?  He beat City Honours and John Reid by just a head but gave High-Rise four quick back- handers on the line to win by that narrow margin. Some people felt strongly that Peslier and High-Rise should have lost the race on the day.  I have to say, I was against putting a number on whip use to start with and felt all it took was a bit...

British Horseracing Authority Chair Joe Saumarez Smith's term will be extended until May 31, 2025, the BHA announced on Tuesday. The news follows the recommendation to extend his tenure by the Nominations Committee of the BHA, which was supported unanimously by the BHA Board. Saumarez Smith will hold the role for a full three-year term, which began on June 1, 2022. His original term would have expired in November of 2023. As part of this process, the BHA's Members approved an amendment to the BHA's Articles, to allow for the...

Additional discussions are being held to address the issues that surround the new UK whip rules, which are due to begin on Jan. 9, 2023 for National Hunt racing, with a four-week "bedding-in" period, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced on Friday evening. Under the new rules, winning horses face disqualification if their jockey does not follow the new regulations. It has been agreed that to address concerns regarding the impact of potential disqualification of runners on raceday for betting purposes, any potential decisions regarding disqualification will now be made...

The British Horseracing Authority approved new guidelines, penalties and procedures regarding the use of the padded whip Tuesday. In Flat racing, the rules will be fully implemented Mar. 27, with a bedding-in period that begins Feb. 27. In Jump racing, the bedding-in period will commence Jan. 9 before being fully implemented Feb. 6. During the bedding-in period, jockeys will be asked to ride under the new rules, however, will not be subject to the new penalty framework. The core recommendations include: Use of the whip for encouragement to be limited...