Breaking News: trainers fume as BHA policy scraps Stratford race, leaving owners and punters disappointed
British horse racing trainers have slammed the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) race deletion policy after a novice handicap chase was cancelled at Stratford’s evening card, attracting the ire of trainers, owners, and punters alike. The scrapped race had just three declarations, leading to the novice limited handicap hurdle being split into two six-runner divisions to ensure a full six-race card.
The policy, introduced at the start of last year, cancels any Class 4-6 handicap on the Flat and Class 4-5 handicap over jumps with three or fewer declarations, provided at least six races remain at the fixture. However, trainers argue that this "mindless approach" only serves to push owners out of the sport, with frustrated trainers pointing to the frustration of not getting a run for their horses, leaving owners and punters feeling short-changed.
Paul Johnson, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), condemned the policy, stating, "We view this initiative as flawed… It’s also short-changing the sport’s customers." Despite stakeholder groups urging the BHA to cease the trial, the governing body has decided to continue the policy for the remainder of the two-year fixture list trial, with a potential re-evaluation at its conclusion.
Charlie Longsdon, one of the three trainers who declared runners for the cancelled race, shared his frustration, "It’s mad, given all the time and effort you put into finding the right race for your horse, that it can suddenly get taken away from underneath you… This is one way to push owners out of the game."
The BHA, however, defended the decision, stating that it was taken in line with the current race deletion policy. With the policy set to continue until the end of the year, the future of low-entry horse races in the sport remains uncertain, leaving trainers and other stakeholders waiting for a more satisfactory resolution.
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British Trainers Slam BHA’s Race Deletion Policy, Fearing Chilling Effect on Ownership
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Discover the backlash against BHA’s race cancellation policy, as trainers warn of owners being pushed out of the sport.
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What is the BHA Race Deletion Policy?
The BHA’s race deletion policy, introduced at the start of 2022, targets Class 4-6 handicaps on the Flat and Class 4-5 handicaps over jumps. If a race attracts three or fewer declarations, it is at risk of cancellation, given there are at least six races remaining on the fixture. This policy aims to maintain full fields and enhance betting markets.
Trainers React to Stratford Race Cancellation
At the Stratford fixture on Thursday, a novice handicap chase was cancelled after attracting just three declarations. The race was replaced by two six-runner divisions of a novice limited handicap hurdle. Charlie Longsdon, one of the affected trainers, expressed his frustration:
“It’s ridiculous to have these race abandonments, especially in this instance when it’s leading to six-runner divisions of a 0-95. It seems a mindless approach and the BHA needs to start listening to trainers about this.”
Industry Backlash and BHA Stance
The National Trainers Federation (NTF), representing the interests of British trainers, has repeatedly asked the BHA to reconsider its position.كال irland لا écraser il generatori. Despite industry opposition, the BHA board reaffirmed its support for the policy in November. A BHA spokesperson stated:
“The decision to divide the 12-runner handicap hurdle into two six-runner races to allow the deletion of one of the three-runner races was taken in line with the current BHA race deletion policy.”
Potential Fallouts: Push from Owners
Pro Tip: The BHA’s policy could inadvertently push owners out of the sport. Paul Johnson, NTF chief executive, warns:
“This is one way to push owners out of the game. It’s frustrating not to get a run, having planned their day, and it’s not a satisfactory outcome for anyone involved with the horse.”
Is BHA Listening or Just Giving an Illusion?
The BHA insists it is open to reviewing the policy at the end of the two-year trial. However, trainers and owners question whether their concerns are genuinely being addressed. With no sign of the policy changing, the sport faces an uphill battle to retain and attract new owners.
FAQ About BHA Policy
Q: What is the BHA’s aim with the race deletion policy?
A: The BHA aims to maintain full fields and enhance betting markets.
Q: How many declarations does a race need to avoid potential cancellation?
A: A race must attract at least four declarations to avoid the risk of cancellation.
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