DRIVE TO CUT ABUSE OF NON-RUNNER RULE

TSweeping changes are planned, including publishing league tables to highlight trainer/nonrunner rates over the past year at the end of each quarter.

Any trainer with more than 100 declarations in the period and with a non-runner rate 50 per cent above the average will be suspended from using self-certificates for 12 months.

Any horse declared a non-runner with a vet’s certificate would be unable to run on the two days after that race. The tables will be published from October and it is anticipated that automatic suspension from self- certifying will begin to apply next spring.

The initiatives, designed to tackle those abusing selfcertification, follow consultation with the National Trainers Federation (NTF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), Racecourse Association ( RCA), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF).

The additional international revenues generated by using 48hour declarations for Flat races have risen from an estimated £6million a year in 2006 to approximately £16m and the BHA is keen to protect that.

Non-runners have become a huge problem in Flat racing since 48-hour declarations were introduced. They create uncertainty in betting markets, affect competitiveness and impact significantly on jockeys and owners.

Richard Wayman, chief operating officer for the BHA, said: ‘While there are valid or unavoidable reasons for non-runners, it is important that, as regulator, the BHA does all it can to reduce the number to a minimum.

‘It is important trainers can withdraw horses for valid veterinary or welfare reasons, or if there has been a change in the going. But it must not be misused.

‘We must not unfairly penalise the vast majority who operate within the spirit of the rules.’

Jockeys are often left out of pocket by a late withdrawal but another rule change will ensure they receive a full fee, rather than the current 40 per cent.

Clerks of the course will also be under scrutiny. All cases where late changes to descriptions of the going cause a high percentage of non- runners will be recorded and may see a BHA team dispatched to verify and assess the ground in the future.