Rule change means horses disadvantaged at starts can be declared non-runners

Stewards will be able to declare a horse a non-runner in any race without starting stalls if they deem that contender has been denied a fair start, following a rule change by the British Horseracing Authority.

The new regulation will come into force next Wednesday, bringing races started by tape or any other method in line with those beginning from stalls, where this power has been available to stewards since last May.

Stewards will be able to deem a horse a non-runner if they believe the horse did not get a fair start for reasons outside of its control, with its chances materially affected as a result.

If the stewards decide a horse is “in a position at the actioning of the start that denied them the opportunity to start on equal terms, such as facing the wrong way or being significantly detached from the field” it can be deemed a non-runner, but contenders that hinder their chance by their own behaviour – such as planting themselves or spinning round after the start is effected – will not fall under the rule change.

Shaun Parker, BHA head of stewarding, said: “This rule change provides clarity for participants and bettors, harmonising the rules in Britain across the two codes to provide greater consistency. It also ensures that all of our races, regardless of starting procedure, align with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities model rule and the approach applied by other major jurisdictions.

“Ultimately, this is about fairness, both for the participants and the betting public and I’m very pleased we have been able to reach this point for this reason.

“While this is a rule that has been required only around half a dozen times since its introduction in races beginning with starting stalls last year, it is clear that it has been well received and that there was a desire to see this further change come about.”

The BHA cited two examples to illustrate the rule, contrasting the situation when Maasai Mara was facing the wrong way as the race started a Sandown in April 2024 with Maughreen’s run at the Cheltenham Festival this year, when she was in a position to obtain a fair start but whipped round after the starter released the tape.

While the stewards could have declared Maasai Mara a non-runner under the new rule, Maughreen would be judged a runner. Horses that simply refuse to race or a competitor that did not get a fair start but goes on to win will not be declared non-runners.

A horse will also not be declared a non-runner where it simply refuses to race, as Shishkin did at Ascot in November 2023.

The BHA added: “It is important to stress that each case will be assessed on its own individual merits, considering the specific set of circumstances that have presented themselves in that given moment.

“Any consideration by the stewards will always precede the ‘weighed in’ signal, with participants, racegoers and the betting public alerted that an incident at the start of the race is being reviewed.”