Restrictions imposed to increase competitiveness of novice programme

The BHA has taken further steps to increase the competitiveness of novice races by banning highly rated, experienced older horses from competing in such events and altering the penalty structure.

No winner who has raced more than twice will be eligible to compete in three-year-old and three-year-old-plus novice races following concerns that a number of these developmental contests have been a soft touch for experienced competitors who were triumphing at very short odds.

A significant increase in the number of three-year-old novice races was implemented from January 1 of this year after similar changes for two-year-olds in 2016 were broadly well received. There had been a perception among trainers that there were not enough opportunities for lightly raced maiden winners.

Since the beginning of the turf season a restriction has been in place preventing winners who had run more than six times from competing in novice races, but these more stringent alterations have been made after the BHA analysed data and took into account feedback from trainers.

Changes to penalty structure of novice races

Richard Wayman, chief operating officer for the BHA, said: "Extending the novice programme to three-year-olds is delivering a number of benefits that are supporting the development of inexperienced but potentially talented horses.

"With a fundamental change to the race programme such as this, however, it is always possible that adjustments may be required to help the changes bed in. This is why we closely monitor the data from these initiatives for some time after they are introduced in order that we can make measured, evidence-based changes where appropriate."

The changes will take effect from Monday, July 9.

There is also a small increase in the number of maiden races restricted to unraced and once-raced horses, altering the balance to approximately 75 per cent novice and 25 per cent maiden contests.

Penalties carried by winners of Class 4 and 5 open novice and Class 4 novice auction races are to be increased, with winners typically carrying 1lb more than previously.

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