Highlighting of conditions in race title pays dividends at Salisbury

The decision to include the conditions of a race at Salisbury on Wednesday in the race title has been rewarded with a 13-strong field.

Only horses who have yet to score in 2017 are eligible for the Champagne Joseph Perrier Handicap (For Horses That Have Not Won A Flat Race This Year), something that is made abundantly clear in the title.

This type of race is not new, but the prominence of the conditions is an initiative the BHA introduced to make trainers fully aware of them.

BHA spokesman Joe Rendall said: “Flat handicaps for horses which have not won a race in the calendar year provide increased variety and opportunity in the race programme.

"In this instance, the BHA took the decision to include the stipulation in the race title as well as the race conditions to ensure it is as visible as possible, and the race has attracted a competitive field.”

Trainer Ed Walker, who will be represented by six-race maiden Know Your Limit, said: "Any initiative which creates more opportunities to win races is to be welcomed. Know Your Limit definitely has the ability, and this looks a decent opportunity for him."