Horses prevented from a fair start in jump races will be non-runners under new BHA rule

Horses denied a fair start in jump races will be classified as non-runners following a BHA rule change set to come into force this season.

The stewards will deem a horse a non-runner if their chance is impacted through no fault of their own and they are prevented from starting on "equal terms", such as being significantly detached or facing the wrong way when the race is started.

But horses who whip round at the start, refuse, or whose behaviour is detrimental to breaking on terms would not be classified as a non-runner.

Starts at the Cheltenham Festival came under scrutiny last season, with the Mares' Novices' Hurdle slammed as "farcical" by the owners of Maughreen after the 11-1 shot lost her chance at the beginning of the race.

The BHA pointed out, however, that under its new guidelines, announced on Wednesday, Maughreen would still be deemed a runner, as the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old spun round when the tape was released despite having obtained a position for a fair start under Patrick Mullins.

The Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham this year saw the fancied Maughreen separated from the field after she whipped round at the start

The change is worded in the rules of racing as "when the race is started, a horse is in such a position as to be denied the opportunity of starting on equal terms". The new rule will be introduced from October 1, and is an expansion of rule(H)6 announced in May 2024, which deems any horse a non-runner if denied a fair start due to a fault in the starting stalls.

BHA head of stewarding Shaun Parker said: “This rule change provides clarity for participants and bettors, harmonising the rules in Britain across the two codes to provide greater consistency. Ultimately, this is about fairness, both for the participants and betting public, and I’m very pleased we've been able to reach this point for this reason.

“While this is a rule that has been required only around half a dozen times since its introduction in races beginning with starting stalls last year, it is clear it has been well received and that there was a desire to see this further change come about."

A horse cannot be declared a non-runner under the provisions of rule (H)6.1 if they win the race.

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