Stable staff crisis is by far the biggest horse welfare issue in racing

There has been much of interest to read in this week's Racing Post Horse Welfare series. However, for the second consecutive week I feel I have to write critical words about the BHA.

It was reported on Monday that the BHA could consider introducing a stand-down period for horses who have fallen if evidence from a statistical study makes it appear worthwhile.

My concern is that the BHA is tying itself in knots and needlessly introducing additional rules, as with the ban on icing horses I highlighted in last week's column. In fact, that rule already looks set to be amended to a restriction within a two-hour window before race time.