Horses do not belong to trainers - the BHA's kite-flying over handicap limits is nonsensical
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![Michael O'Leary and Gordon Elliott, often associated with multiple runners in major handicaps](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fprod-media-racingpost%2Fprod%2Fimages%2F169_1008%2Fffeae2c6a2d8-89017.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The BHA's kite-flying exercise in regard to a four-horse limit to trainer representation in major handicaps has split opinions on British/Irish lines.
In Ireland, it has been viewed as a crude mechanism specifically designed to thwart the influence of leading Irish trainers, provoking a predominantly negative reaction, which has been hostile in places.
If I'm correct in assessing the reaction in Britain, the proposal is going down generally well. I've read much positive commentary, about making things "fairer" and making handicaps "more competitive". However, whether the subtext is acknowledged or not, any warmth of reaction has revolved around the likely restriction of opportunities for the Irish.
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