Walkover from home - BHA changes rule to bring end to sole runner having to be ridden past the winning post at the course

Yealand's bloodless victory at Haydock last week has earned a place in racing's history books after the BHA changed the rules relating to a walkover with immediate effect on Monday.

The Jennie Candlish-trained Yealand was the last one standing when his two rivals were withdrawn due to the going at Haydock, but whereas he still had to be ridden past the winning post to collect the first prize of £7,922, any horse in the same position in the future will now be declared the winner without having to set foot on the racecourse. 

According to the BHA, the change is designed to "reduce the overall impact of a walkover and remove the additional requirements placed on participants" and was given the thumbs up from rider Sean Quinlan, who punched the air ironically after cantering past the post alone aboard Yealand last Wednesday.

"There's no point in a horse going out there if he's the only one and things should just be kept as simple as possible," said Quinlan. "It saves time, fuss and stops everyone complaining. And if it means a horse doesn't have to travel to the races just to walkover, that's a good thing. The same goes for a rider who has just that one ride on the day."

A previous change to the weights and handicapping code meant walkovers have not counted towards handicap marks, penalties or qualifications since the start of 2022. 

Read more:

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