RACECOURSE INFORMATION

 

 

NOVICE FLAT AMATEUR RIDERS’ RACES

CHELMSFORD CITY (28/9/24) AND FFOS LAS (29/9/24)

 

The following conditions will apply to the above races.

 

1. All races will be for Amateur Jockeys who have not ridden more than 3 winners under the Rules of Racing or the rules of any Recognised Racing Authority prior to March 23rd, 2024.

 

2. Horses should be suitable for very inexperienced riders, and therefore privileges will not be allowed with the exception that a Red Hood may be requested to be worn to the Start. Stewards will NOT grant permission to any trainer for their horse to proceed to the start either before the signal to mount is given or purposely last. Horses must, therefore, not proceed to the start at a walk or trot.

 

3. Every rider must carry a whip. Whips can be pulled through from one hand to the other as often as necessary. A rider must not wave their whip or hit their horse with the whip.

 

4. If a rider uses their whip as prohibited in paragraph 3, it will be regarded as failing to comply with a requirement imposed on them by the BHA (see Rule (J)24.4) and the entry point penalty is a suspension of 7 days on days when an Apprentice Jockeys' race is programmed to take place in Great Britain. This suspension will not count towards the total number of days suspended during the rolling six-month period.

 

5. If a rider is suspended for using their whip in one of these races they will be

stripped of existing points but will be able to continue riding in the series. In the case of a second offence the entry point penalty is a suspension of 14 days, on the days stated in paragraph 4, and the rider will be prevented from riding in the remainder of the series.

 

6. Prior to the race the Jockey Coach will brief riders on the conditions of the race.

 

7. All riders must attend a mandatory course walk with the Jockey Coach and/or a senior jockey 90 minutes before the race. If a rider is unable to attend this course walk, they must obtain prior dispensation (see below). If a rider is unable to walk the course because they are riding or leading up in an earlier race, they will be expected to walk the course prior to this but must inform Antonia Lawrence in advance. Failure to attend the course walk without contacting Antonia Lawrence in advance may result in the rider losing all riding skills and professionalism points for the race in question. Repeat offences may result in the rider being prevented from riding in the remainder of the series. For prior dispensation from the mandatory course walk Riders should contact Antonia Lawrence 01638 665103.

 

8. After the race, the rider of every horse must report to the Stewards' room where they will be talked through the race by the Jockey Coach. This is a mandatory requirement and failure to attend this debrief may result in the British Horseracing Authority preventing the rider from taking part in the remaining races in the series. Special permission to miss the debrief may be granted by the Stewards on the day for any rider who must leave straight after the race. This must be requested before the race. The Jockey Coach may also contact riders after the race meeting to further advise them on their riding.

 

9. The British Horseracing Authority are generously providing a prize to the winner of the series; the winner will be the rider who accumulates the most points in the series.

 

10. The points table for the series can be viewed on the Jockey Training and Development

 

 

 

 

AYR

Thursday, September 19th

 

47233 THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE)

 

Owners and trainers are advised that the penalties for the above race are as shown below and not as published in Racing Calendar 17 -  

 

Weights: Colts and geldings.......9st 4lb; fillies............8st 13lb

Penalties, for each Restricted Novice or Maiden race won...........4lb

For each other race won............................................7lb

 

 

 

NEWCASTLE

Tuesday, September 10th

 

66902 THE GET RACEDAY READY NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5)

 

Owners and trainers are advised that the penalties for the above race are as shown below and not as published in Racing Calendar 17 -  

 

Weights: 3-y-o colts and geldings....9st 4lb; fillies.........8st 13lb

4-y-o and up colts and geldings.....9st 9lb; fillies...........9st 4lb

Penalties, for each Restricted Novice or Maiden race won...........4lb

For each other race won............................................7lb

 

 

 

THE WESTERN MEETING (AYR), 2024

Friday and Saturday, 20 and 21 September

 

THE VIRGIN BET AYR SILVER CUP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)

AND THE VIRGIN BET AYR BRONZE CUP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)

 

1. Entries for these races will be restricted to those horses which were declared to run at the 48 hour declaration stage but eliminated from the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup (Heritage Handicap).

 

2. At the 48 hour declaration stage for the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup, owners of horses which are being declared to run, but which are liable to elimination, will be offered the option to run in the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup Handicap Stakes and the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup Handicap Stakes.

 

3. Owners whose horses are eliminated from the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup and who have expressed a wish not to run in the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup will have their stake returned under the provision of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. However, owners whose horses are eliminated from the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup and who have expressed a wish to run in the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup will automatically be charged a stake of £325 for the latter race, but will have their stake for the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup returned as above. Owners whose horses are subsequently eliminated from the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup and who have expressed a wish to run in the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup will automatically be charged a stake of £175 for the latter race, but will have their stake for the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup returned as above.

 

4. Weights for the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup and the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup will be allocated using the same handicap ratings as used for the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup. In addition, the penalty structure for the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup will apply for the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup and the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup.

 

5. Eight runners or more must be declared for the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup and the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup, or the race or races may be cancelled.

 

6. If a horse is to run in a hood, blinkers, visor, eyeshield, eyecover, sheepskin cheek pieces or a tongue strap, the declaration made at the time fixed for the 48 hour declaration stage for the 2024 Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup will also apply for the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup and the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup.

 

SPECIAL DRAW FOR THE VIRGIN BET AYR GOLD CUP (HERITAGE HANDICAP) (CLASS 2)

Saturday, 21 September

 

The British Horseracing Authority has granted special permission to the Ayr Racecourse Executive to stage a public ’Draw’. The British Horseracing Authority has modified the Draws Code of the Rules of Racing to allow the ’Draw’ for the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup to take place at Ayr Racecourse on Thursday, 19 September 2024, commencing at 11.00 am, in the Owners’ Club at Ayr Racecourse.

The procedure will be as follows: - The ’Draw’ will be made by a ’personality’ or ‘personalities’ and proceedings will be overseen by a British Horseracing Authority Official. The ’personality’ will select, at random from a drum, the name of a horse. The first drawn horse will be allocated Stall number 1, the second drawn horse will be allocated Stall number 2. The sequence and process having thus been established thereafter each horse will be allocated the relevant stall number until the last remaining horse is allocated Stall number 25.

It is the intention of Ayr Racecourse that the draw be broadcast live on Racing TV, subject to scheduling.

There is no requirement for stable representatives to attend the racecourse for the draw.

In the event of any dispute, The British Horseracing Authority Official will make the final decision.

 

 

 

KEMPTON PARK

Tuesday, August 20th

 

66134 THE TRY UNIBET'S IMPROVED BET BUILDER HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5)

 

Owners and trainers are advised that the distance of the above race has been amended since publication in the Racing Calendar.  The distance is now –

 

about SIX FURLONGS [abt 6f]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RACING LEAGUE 2024

The following Flat fixtures will form Racing League 2024:

25 July - Great Yarmouth

01 August - Wolverhampton (AWT)

08 August - Chepstow

15 August - Windsor

22 August - Newcastle (AWT)

29 August - Southwell (AWT)

The British Horseracing Authority has modified the Rules of Racing for Racing League, such that the following will apply:

1. Only horse in training with trainers registered to Racing League will be permitted to enter any race at the above fixtures.
2. Horses will represent one of 7 Horses registered to Racing League will not be confined to Racing League and will be permitted to enter other races during the duration of Racing League.
3. Races will be restricted to a maximum of 14 runners and each team will be represented by a maximum of two runners in each race - except at Wolverhampton where races will be restricted to 13 runners and each team will alternate to be represented by 1 runner in one of the 7
4. Each team has nominated jockeys, who will ride exclusively for that team at Racing League fixtures. Jockeys have been selected and registered to Racing League on Saturday, 23 March, A team may be permitted to add a jockey to their team for that fixture or fixtures for which their nominated jockeys are unavailable. Applications to add a jockey are made by the Team Manager to Racing League.
5. Horse and jockey selection for each race will be made by the Team Entries and declarations should be made via the Racing Admin website, www2.racingadmin.co.uk, by the Trainer or their representative of each horse in the usual way. Similarly, the declaration of the jockey will remain the responsibility of the horse's Trainer or their representative.
6. In the event that more than two horses from the same team are declared for a Racing League race, elimination shall occur in the following order
7. +1/+2 Horses
8. Horses running from outside the handicap

• Horses that achieved the worst finishing position in their latest Flat race

1. Horses that achieve the worst finishing position in their penultimate Flat race (and so on if necessary)

 

 

 

1. In the event two horses are unable to be separated by the above, a random ballot will be used
2. Each fixture will consist of seven handicap races, ranging from Class 2 to Class 4 with distances from 5f.
3. All races with a rating band are open to horses rated +1/+2 above the top figure of the relevant rating band.
4. Race reserves will not operate for Racing
5. Prize money for all Racing League races will be paid to winning connections as Racing League is responsible for the bonus payments for the winning team.
6. BHA will publish a list of registered trainers and jockeys on the Racing Admin website, www2.racingadmin.co.uk, for each team. Trainers can contact Racing League for how to register horses and

The Sponsorship Code has been modified and the following special conditions will apply:

12. While Trainers, Jockeys and horses can be associated with only one Racing Team for the duration of the competition, Owners may have horses in more than one Racing Team. All Owners of participating horses agree that jockeys will wear the colours of the Racing Team for which their horses are running.
13. The Sponsorship Framework for Racehorse Owners (SFRO) will not apply to the 2024 Racing League series. Owners' sponsorship sites, and any other sites approved by the Authority including, but not limited to, number cloths, will be sold by Racing League to enhance the returns for participants. For the avoidance of doubt, existing Owner's sponsorship cannot be worn during the 2024 Racing League
14. The Jockey Sponsorship Code of Conduct will remain in force, save for a modification to require all Jockeys to keep the neck and coccyx sites blank with any current sponsorships worn on the thigh sites. Should any jockeys have issues with this requirement they should notify Racing League via emailing:

teams@ racingleague.uk

15. Each Owner and Trainer declaring a horse to run at the 48-hour declaration stage, and any jockey booked for a ride, will be deemed to have accepted these

 

For further details of Racing League, including the scoring system and up-to- date information on the league, please refer to www.racingleague.uk

 

 

 

 

 

CURRAGH

Saturday, September 28th

 

80781    THE GOFFS MILLION

 

Owners and trainers are advised of the following alterations to the above race:

 

€2,000 to enter on May 1st.

€2,000 extra unless forfeit be declared by noon on July 24th.

€1000 extra unless forfeit be declared by noon on September 24th.

 

 

DRAW FOR THE 200th RUNNING OF THE CHESTER CUP (Class 2 Heritage Handicap)

 

Owners and trainers should be aware that a random draw for stalls positions will take place at Chester Racecourse on Wednesday, May 8th. Connections will not be required to attend the racecourse and a BHA representative will oversee proceedings.

 

The draw will be covered live on Sky Sports Racing and will be completed by 12pm.

 

 

 

 

LEOPARDSTOWN

Sunday, May 12th

 

80723    THE PORSCHE IN SUPPORT OF BREAST CANCER IRELAND AMETHYST STAKES (Group 3)

 

Owners and trainers are advised of the following alterations to the above race:

Total Race Value €52,500

Winner will receive €31,500
(Penalty Value: €30,975)
Second will receive €10,500
Third will receive €5,250
Fourth will receive €2,625
Fifth will receive €1,575
Sixth will receive €1,050

€315 to enter on April 17th

€210 extra if forfeit not declared by May 7th

or €5,250 if entered by May 7th

 

 

 

The notice below has been sent by Deutscher Galopp.

Due to new regulations by the German tax and finance governmental departments Deutscher Galopp e.V. needs for every horse which is entered to German races from now on the following details of the owner:

• Name of the owner
• Date of birth
• Full postal address
• Telephone/E-Mail
• Racing colours

If a horse is owned by more than one person, a company, a syndicate or anything else we need the above mentioned details of the person who is the authorized representative for those ownerships.

If we have these dates not latest at the declaration to run stage, in the worst case the horse cannot take part at the race.

 

 

Owners and trainers are advised of the following alterations since the publication of Volume 2 of The Programme Book:

 

FLAT

 

YORK – Friday, May 17th

42557 THE IRISH THOROUGHBRED MARKETING HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) is now for three yrs old only, Rated 71-90 (also open to such horses rated 91 and 92; such horses rated 70 and below are also eligible

Previously, for three yrs old only, Rated 76-95 (also open to such horses rated 96 and 97; such horses rated 75 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions)

 

 

CHURCHILL DOWNS “WILD CARD” SCHEME

 

A “wild card” scheme for races in Britain and USA will operate in 2024.

 

“Wild Card” Entries for USA-Based Horses in British Pattern Races

A runner from each of two turf contests staged at the 150th Kentucky Derby Meeting at Churchill Downs in May will receive a “wild card” entry for the two Classics staged at Epsom Downs four weeks later – the Betfred Derby and Betfred Oaks. 

For three-year-old fillies, a runner from the Edgewood Stakes, (Grade 2, 1m 0.5f, $500,000), run on Kentucky Oaks Day (Friday 3rd May, 2024) will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in the Betfred Oaks (Group 1, 1m 4f, £500,000) at Epsom Downs on Ladies Friday 31 May, 2024.

Similarly for three-year-old colts, a runner from the American Turf Stakes, (Grade 2, 1m 0.5f. $500,000), run on Kentucky Derby Day (Saturday 4th May), will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in The Betfred Derby Epsom Downs (Group 1, 1m 4f, £1,500,000) on Saturday, 1 June, 2024.

Two races at the 150th Kentucky Derby meeting will also offer ‘wild card’ entries for three races at Royal Ascot. A runner from the Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes, (Grade 2, 3yo+, 5.5f, $500,000), run on Kentucky Derby Day, will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in the King Charles III Stakes (Group 1, 3yo+ 5f, £650,000) at Royal Ascot on Tuesday 18 June, 2024. 

A runner from the Old Forester Turf Classic Stakes, (Group 1, 4yo+, 1m1f $1,000,000), run on Kentucky Derby Day, will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in either of the Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1, 4yo+. 1m, £750,000, Tuesday, 18 June, 2024 or the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1, 4yo+, 1m2f, £1,000,000, Wednesday, 19 June, 2024 at Royal Ascot.

“Wild Card” Entries for British-based Horses in USA Races

In return for the above incentives for USA-based runners, a runner from both the 2024  Queen Anne Stakes and the 2024 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in the Colonial Downs’ Arlington Million Stakes (Group 1, 3yo+, 1m2f, $1,000,000) in mid-August.

In addition, a runner from the 2024 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket’s July Festival (Group 1, 3yo+ fillies & mares, 1m, £275,000, Friday 12, July, 2024) will also receive an entry and travel incentive to run in the Beverly D Stakes (Grade 1, 3yo+ fillies & mares, 1m 1.5f, $500,000) on the same day as the Colonial Downs Arlington Million. 

Winners of the above races will receive an invitation to run in the corresponding races across the Atlantic. In the event that the winners aren’t able to take up that invitation, racecourses may then also invite placed horses. The elimination procedures in these races will remain unchanged.

It should be noted, that, having received the “wild card” entry, connections will be required to pay subsequent scratching and confirmation fees.

For additional information on the 150th Kentucky Derby please visit www.Derby150.com 

 

 

THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL

April 11th, 12th, 13th April 2024

ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE EVENT OF ABANDONMENT AT THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL 2043 (AINTREE)

In the event of abandonment, the programme will be revised to allow the rescheduling of races. If necessary, the Meeting will be extended to include any such dates as determined at the time by the British Horseracing Authority.

 

OWNERS’ AND JOCKEYS’ BRANDING SITES AND ATTENDANTS’ CLOTHING

Further to the British Horseracing Authority’s decision to allow the sponsors to have the option of exclusive access to all the owners and jockeys’ branding sites and attendants’ clothing for races at The Randox Grand National Festival 2024, the sponsors, Aintree Racecourse, the Racehorse Owners’ Association and the Professional Jockeys’ Association have reached agreement for this option to apply in all races.

 

1. The sponsors have exercised the exclusivity option in all 21 (twenty-one) races scheduled to take place during The 2024 Randox Grand National Festival. These are (subject to change):-

 

Thursday - April 11th

(i)   The Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                                    1:45pm

(ii)  The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                       2:20pm

(iii) The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                                               2:55pm

(iv) The William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                                                  3:30pm

(v)  The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 2)                                           4:05pm

(vi) The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 3)                           4:40pm

(vii) The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 1) (Grade 2)              5:15pm

 

Friday - April 12th

(i)   The Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                                     1:45pm

(ii)  The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)                                   2:20pm

(iii) The Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                                      2:55pm

(iv) The My Pension Expert Melling Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                       3:30pm

(v)  The Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap

Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)                                                                                4:05pm

(vi) The Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)                4:40pm

(vii) The Lydiate Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2)

        (Cond’ Jockeys’ and Amateur Riders’ Race)                                                                          5.15pm

 

Saturday - April 13th

(i) The Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)                                    1.20pm

(ii) The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                               1.55pm

(iii) The William Hill Freebooter Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)              2.30pm

(iv)  The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 1)                                                    3.05pm

(v) The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap)             4.00pm

(vi) The  EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1)(Grade 1)                                 5.00pm

(vii) The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National

Hunt Flat Race (Class 1) (Grade 2)                                                                                                  5.35pm

 

 

Branding Options/Display

2. (i) For all races during The 2024 Randox Grand National Festival, the sponsors will display their logo on Owners’ silks, Jockeys’ branding sites and attendants’ clothing. All logos will be supplied by the sponsors. In addition, for The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase the sponsor will provide a branded paddock sheet/rug.

 

(ii) Where branded items are not provided by Randox all branding sites MUST be left clear, or covered, to comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct.

 

Sponsorship payments to Owners and Jockeys

3. The sponsors will pay the Owners of horses, who display the sponsors’ logo on Owners’ silks and paddock sheet/rug, taking part in the Randox Grand National £1,250, plus VAT, where applicable, each.

 

In the other 20 (twenty) races, a sponsorship payment of £210, plus VAT, where applicable, will be made to each Owner who displays the sponsor’s logo. It is possible that in one race the sponsors will allow logos promoting a local charity to be worn instead of their own. If this is the case, the sponsorship payment will still be made to Owners.

 

4. Subject to the Rules of Racing, the sponsors will make a payment of £221.28, plus VAT, where applicable, per ride to each Jockey who displays the sponsor’s logo.

 

5. Owners wishing to make further enquiries about these arrangements please contact Sulekha Varma, Clerk of the Course, on 07715 640525.

 

 

WINCANTON

Saturday, February 17th

 

31023 THE JENNINGSBET CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4)

(For The Harry and John Dufosee Memorial Cup)

 

Owners and trainers are advised that the distance of the above race has been amended since publication in the Racing Calendar.  The distance is now –

about TWO MILES (1m 7f 149yds)

 

 

CLASS 5 JUMP HANDICAPS

 

The BHA's Racing Committee has agreed to the permanent removal of the +1/+2 system for all Class 5 Jump Handicaps only.

 

This change comes into effect from 1 October 2023 and follows a trial of the removal of the +1/+2 system in all Handicap Jump races during the Summer Jump racing period. Please note that the +1/+2 system will remain in place for all other race classes.

 

The decision to permanently remove the +1/+2 system for all Class 5 Jump Handicaps follows a review of the data during the trial, which has demonstrated the intended improvements in race competitiveness and supports the permanent removal of +1/+2 in all Class 5 Jump handicaps.

 

Those Class 5 Jump Handicap races that have already been published in the Racing Calendar up to 8 October 2023 with +1/+2 in the race conditions will be altered to have such conditions removed.

 

A list of those races is as follows:

 

02/10/23: 23923, 23924, 23926

 

03/10/23: 23936, 23945, 23946, 23947

04/10/23: 23953, 23955

 

06/10/23: 23986, 23987, 23974, 23975, 23977

 

07/10/23: 23995, 23996

 

08/10/23: 24007, 24016, 24017

 

For further information please contact the BHA Racing Department on 0207 152 0050 or via racing@britishhorseracing.com.

 

 

.

 

FFOS LAS STEEPLECHASE START

 

Owners and trainers are advised that Ffos Las have altered the following start with immediate effect.  The Safety Factors remains unchanged.   

 

Start                                                               

Steeplechase

2m 5f 110yds                          Replaces 2m 4f 199yds