Lynx photo finish cameras capture images at around 6,000 frames per second 鈥� much faster than the equipment used previously 鈥� and significantly improve the clarity of photos that help confirm the winner and finishing distances for each race.

This new technology is available on British racecourses, including during this week鈥檚 Cheltenham Festival, where it will be the primary camera used for regulatory purposes alongside the existing backup and infield cameras to determine placings.

The enhanced images will give the BHA judging team a much clearer and more accurate picture, which will support quicker, more definitive decision making 鈥� especially in a tight finish or poor weather conditions.

The investment by RaceTech in upgraded equipment follows a trial period and an ongoing role out process,听during which the Lynx cameras have been tested extensively by the photo-finish operators and the BHA.

The images captured by the Lynx technology will be published on the BHA website and shared with broadcasters, to ensure consistency and transparency for participants and customers.

These will be provided in a new style, with additional enhancements planned to continually improve the information available when displaying race results.

BHA Judge and team principal, David Hicks, said:

鈥淭he introduction of Lynx photo finish cameras gives BHA judges access to the highest-quality images and supports us in calling the results of races to a much greater degree of certainty.

鈥淭he judging process itself doesn鈥檛 change, with our expert team still scrutinising the photo finish and exercising their judgement, but the new equipment provides us with a significantly enhanced picture from which we can make an informed assessment. This precision really matters, especially when horses may be split by a very small number of pixels.

鈥淲e always want to make use of the best, most advanced technology to help support decision-making on a raceday. While it won鈥檛 always be possible to split horses, with dead heats an inevitability at times, the new technology will provide much clearer evidence that can help improve the clarity with which decisions are reached.鈥�

John Bozza, RaceTech Chief Executive Officer, commented:

鈥淩aceTech have been working very closely with Lynx camera systems and the BHA for the past 24 months developing the next generation of photo finish cameras.

鈥淭hese new cameras not only offer greater resolution images but perform much better in lower light conditions. Lynx have also built a custom API to interface between the Lynx software and BHA platforms results data.

鈥淲e are delighted to support the BHA by investing in this new camera technology which will enhance the adjudication process.鈥�

A photo finish image captured using the new, higher resolution Lynx camera technology:

An image of the same finish, captured using the older equipment:

British horseracing鈥檚 anonymous reporting service has been bolstered today with the addition of WhatsApp and text messaging 鈥� making it even easier to speak up for the sport you love.

RaceWISE is a secure way for anyone with concerns about potential wrongdoing in the sport to report these directly to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

This may include possible integrity threats, the treatment and welfare of horses and humans, safeguarding and equality concerns, or anything else on or off the racecourse that could damage British racing’s reputation.

The expansion of RaceWISE to include the WhatsApp and text service will allow anyone coming forward with information to message the BHA directly, without revealing their identity or phone number.

The two-way messaging can help improve the reporting process by enabling the BHA to ask and answer questions and request additional evidence to be used as part of any investigative process. This can include photographs, video footage and audio recordings.

Delivered in partnership with听, the real-time messaging service is managed through a fully encrypted system, giving anyone contacting RaceWISE the added confidence that they are doing so safely and with anonymity.

To report concerns about British racing using WhatsApp or text message, simply visit: www.britishhorseracing.com/RaceWise.

Alongside the messaging option, people will also be able to contact RaceWISE via email or by calling for free on 08000 24 24 50.

The phone line and email inbox will be actively monitored by the BHA鈥檚 integrity team, who will review and evaluate the information provided. Where appropriate, the reports will be investigated in more detail or linked to other intelligence to build a bigger picture of a potential issue.

To support the extension of the existing service, the BHA will be sending updated posters to racecourses for display in both public and restricted areas, alongside racecard advertisements and racecourse TV graphics.

The BHA will also make available a full suite of updated digital assets, which can be downloaded from the RaceWISE听webpage听for use across the industry.

The RaceWISE service will continue to be advertised extensively across the industry to ensure that everyone involved in British racing and breeding understands how they can report potential integrity issues or breaches of the Rules of Racing.

John Burgess, Director of Integrity at the BHA, said:

鈥淗onesty, integrity and the highest standards of horse and human welfare are fundamental to ensuring trust and confidence in British racing and breeding.

鈥淩aceWISE is already a highly effective system for raising integrity concerns, and has played a crucial part in gathering vital intelligence that has helped keep our sport safe, fair and clean.

鈥淭he expansion of the service to include text messaging has the potential to be a real game-changer: strengthening British racing鈥檚 anonymous reporting mechanisms and giving people added confidence to speak up for the sport they love.

鈥淣ot only does the WhatsApp and text service remove some of the barriers to reporting, it allows the BHA to exchange messages in real-time with the person raising the issue and secure vital supporting information, which it has not always been possible to do until now.

鈥淭hrough our new partnership with RealResponse, the BHA will be able to respond, ask questions and request additional information 鈥� and all without knowing the identity or phone number of the person reporting their suspicions or concerns.

鈥淭his has huge potential for encouraging more people to come forward, improving the quality of the intelligence we receive and enhancing participant and public trust in the anonymous reporting process itself.鈥�

David Chadwick, founder and CEO of RealResponse, said:

鈥淧rotecting the integrity of sport depends on creating safe, trusted ways for people to speak up. We鈥檙e proud to partner with the British Horseracing Authority to strengthen RaceWISE through secure, two-way messaging that removes barriers to reporting while preserving complete anonymity.

鈥淲hen individuals know they can share concerns safely – and have a real conversation without revealing their identity – the quality of information improves, trust grows, and the entire sport becomes stronger.鈥�

Notes to editors:听

1. About RaceWISE

RaceWISE is a secure way for anyone with concerns about potential wrongdoing in the sport to report these to the BHA, without having to reveal their identity. The anonymous reporting service is there to assist with concerns about anything that may be damaging to the sport, its people or horses. This may include:

• the Welfare of racehorses
• protecting the Integrity of the sport
• addressing Safeguarding and welfare concerns
• maintaining Equality for everyone

For full details about the RaceWISE service and how to contact the BHA anonymously, please visit:听www.britishhorseracing.com/RaceWise.

2. RaceWISE artwork

Updated artwork, including posters and digital materials, can be downloaded from the听.

3. About RealResponse

Founded in 2015,听RealResponse is a leading provider of secure, two-way communication and anonymous reporting solutions for sport, governing bodies, and integrity units. The platform empowers individuals to speak up about sensitive concerns – including integrity, welfare, safeguarding, and misconduct – through simple, accessible tools such as text messaging, WhatsApp, QR codes, web forms, and email.

By enabling听real-time, secure conversations while protecting anonymity,听RealResponse helps organizations strengthen trust, surface critical intelligence, respond with the right support and resources, reduce risk, and foster safer, more accountable cultures. To learn more about how听RealResponse supports integrity and safe sport initiatives worldwide, visit听.

The permanent appointments follow a period of interim arrangements, during which John and Aja have been operating as co-directors of the BHA鈥檚 integrity and regulation functions since August 2024.

John鈥檚 role will see him lead the BHA鈥檚 intelligence, investigation, monitoring and supervision operations, including the organisation鈥檚 stable inspectorate and the safeguarding and human welfare team.

Aja will be responsible for the BHA鈥檚 regulatory, compliance and disciplinary work flowing from integrity investigations and raceday appeals, as well as overseeing the drafting of amendments to the Rules of Racing.

Commenting on the appointments, acting Chief Executive Officer Brant Dunshea said:

鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that John and Aja will be taking charge of the BHA鈥檚 integrity and regulatory departments, following a period of interim arrangements where they have worked in the capacity of co-directors.

鈥淏oth bring extensive experience and unrivalled expertise to their respective roles, and have already made a significant contribution to ensuring the highest standards of integrity across our sport over many years.

鈥淚 look forward to working alongside John and Aja as we continually strengthen British racing鈥檚 world-leading reputation as a safe, fair and clean racing jurisdiction.鈥�

Director of Integrity John Burgess听said:

鈥淚 am immensely proud to be appointed to this position and to lead an incredible team of people within the BHA鈥檚 integrity function, all of whom have the best interests of British racing and the safety and wellbeing of its people and horses at heart.

“Much of our work rightly goes under the radar, given its often complex, sensitive and highly confidential nature. But from supporting participants, to dealing with integrity concerns and investigating potential Rule breaches, everything we do is fundamental to upholding the sport鈥檚 good reputation.鈥�

Director of Regulation Aja Hall said:

鈥淏ritish racing is among the best regulated sports in the world, and I am delighted to play a part in contributing to the essential work of a highly committed team of people within the regulatory department.

鈥淚t is a privilege to be appointed to this position, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues from across the sport as we ensure that regulatory matters are dealt with consistently, fairly, and to the highest standards, so that we maintain participant and public confidence.鈥�

Notes to editors:

About John Burgess

John joined the BHA in 2008 and has held several roles within the Integrity and Regulation department including Investigating Officer and Intelligence and Development Manager. He became Head of Integrity in June 2021 and is the tactical and strategic lead for the Integrity teams, which include Supervision, Intelligence, Investigation and Monitoring. John was Interim Co-Director of Integrity and Regulation alongside Aja Hall from August 2024 to February 2026.

John currently represents the BHA at the Sports Betting Integrity Forum, Sports Betting Group, and Bloodstock Industry Forum, and is an international member of the Organization of Racing Investigators.

Prior to joining the BHA, John was a Detective Constable in the Intelligence Bureau at Leicestershire Police. In his spare time, John is a lifelong racing fan and keen rider with a passion for retraining racehorses.

About Aja Hall

Aja joined the BHA in April 2022 as Head of Regulation with responsibility for all regulatory and compliance work flowing from integrity investigations and raceday appeals. Aja is responsible for the drafting of any Rule amendments which then progress through the various committees and is a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the IFHA. Aja held the role of Interim Co-Director of Integrity and Regulation alongside John Burgess from August 2024 to February 2026.

A Barrister of 16听years鈥� call, Aja started life at the Criminal Bar before moving to healthcare regulation and then the Nursing and Midwifery Council. During her time at the NMC she defended the decisions of panels in High Court appeals and appeared before panels in high-profile matters.

Aja has always had an interest in racing and horses, owning her own until attending University.

• Updating whereabouts and permanent import information
• The latest pre-race examination schedule
• Signing horses out of the food chain.

For any questions, please contact: equine@britishhorseracing.com.

WHEREABOUTS AND PERMANENT IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

Keeping a horse’s whereabouts information up to date is a requirement of the Rules of Racing and the responsibility of the Responsible Person.

It is also an essential part of British racing鈥檚 wider traceability efforts to ensure that we know where horses bred for racing are at every stage of their lives.

We have provided a summary below of some of the key information, which we hope is helpful, but please see the Whereabouts Requirements for full details. Whereabouts information forms can be found on the BHA website.

For any questions about updating whereabouts or permanent import information, please email: anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.

Whereabouts information

Whereabouts information includes the full address of where a horse is staying overnight each night and the name and contact details of a designated person. This should always be up to date on Racing Admin.

The requirement also includes changes in training status 鈥� whether the horse is in training, temporarily out of training (e.g. pretraining or resting) or retired from racing. This must be recorded on Racing Admin within three days of the change in status.

It鈥檚 vital that this information is accurate and up to date and made available to the BHA. If it isn鈥檛, then the responsible person risks being in breach of the Rules.

Permanent import requirements

When permanently importing a horse into Britain to be trained, please remember that the Responsible Person must lodge the export certificate with the General Stud Book within 90 days of arrival. This is covered in the Whereabouts Requirement .

The BHA must also be provided with whereabouts information within seven working days of arrival so that arrangements can be made for a sample to be collected. The horse will remain ineligible to be trained or raced in Britain until this process has been completed and a negative sample returned.

The Whereabouts Information Forms are available here on the BHA website.

If the horse has spent at least 12 consecutive months in a country the BHA is satisfied has an equivalent testing policy in place, then it may be exempt from this sampling requirement. These countries include Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Hong Kong and Japan.

If you are unsure about which country a horse has previously resided in, please contact the BHA鈥檚 Anti-Doping team who will be able to advise on the next steps.

Horses purchased in sales outside Britain will not be identified by the sales house as potentially ineligible to race in Britain. As such you should not make an entry for any horse unless you are satisfied that it does not require permanent import testing.

PRE-RACE EXAMINATION DATE 2025

The full list of dates and locations where all-card pre-race examinations are scheduled to take place is available听.

We encourage trainers to get in touch with us in advance of raceday to let us know about any horses that have mild lameness. Please email听vetreports@britishhorseracing.com.

The sooner we know about these horses the better, as we can then work with you and your teams to discuss the specific circumstances around their听.

SIGNING HORSES OUT OF THE FOOD CHAIN

A reminder that all horses trained in Britain must be signed out of the human food chain. No race entry will be accepted unless the horse has been declared as not intended for human consumption via the Vaccination App and Section IX (or equivalent) of the horse鈥檚 passport.

This will also ensure that horses are excluded from entering the animal food chain, which is regulated to the same standards as the human food chain in Britain.

The Rules have been adjusted to provide additional clarity around this requirement, with 鈥� Horse Passports 鈥� amended accordingly.

An addition to 鈥� Veterinary Treatment and Medication 鈥� also makes it clear that the Responsible Person must ensure that no horse in their care is euthanised at an abattoir or slaughterhouse.

This includes the latest guidance about particular treatment and medication administered to horses, as well as reminders which we hope will be useful to licensed trainers and their veterinary surgeons.

For any questions, please contact: anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.

Use of beta-2 agonists

A reminder that the Rules have been amended to reflect requirements around the use of beta-2 agonist clenbuterol, following agreement on regulation of its use by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

The requirements came into effect on 1 April 2025 and are set out in this , which has been updated to include guidance on the use of any beta-2 agonist, such as clenbuterol or salbutamol.

Beta-2 agonists are considered Category A Substances and are prohibited at all times, unless prescribed by a veterinary surgeon as a bronchodilator at the appropriate dose. Please see the for full requirements.

We continue to discourage the use of beta-2 agonists such as clenbuterol or salbutamol unless absolutely necessary, and would highlight the minimum 30-day standdown for administration by any route (including inhaled and nebulised) between the last dose of treatment and the day of race.

Paragraph 1.3 of the has been updated accordingly.

Sildenafil

The use of 听is prohibited at all times under the Rules of Racing.

We are aware that an extemporaneous preparation of an injectable product containing sildenafil, mepivacaine and glucose is being manufactured as a 鈥榲eterinary special鈥� and sold for equine use.

There are risks associated with this kind of compound product as they have not been tested to the same standards of quality and safety as authorised medicines.

More details and further guidance is available in this听.

Administering injections

Administering injections to horses is considered a veterinary act and should only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon, or under their direct supervision by a veterinary nurse or veterinary student.

This is a legal requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Trainers are therefore not permitted, by law, to administer any substance intravenously (or intramuscularly) unless they hold the appropriate veterinary qualifications.

Guidance provided by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) considers these to be complex procedures that should not be delegated to anyone without the required qualification.

Human medication in racecourse stables

A reminder to trainers and teams that human medications, including common, over-the-counter products, must not be brought into the racecourse stables.

While personal medication of this type, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatories, may be considered harmless by those carrying it, these products are actually .

There will of course be an exception for anyone who needs to carry personal emergency medication, but this must be declared to the BHA equine welfare integrity officers (EWIO) or veterinary officer before entering the racecourse stables please.

This will help ensure that trainers and teams aren鈥檛 inadvertently taking steps that could result in a Rule breach and a fine of up to 拢1,500.

海角大神 (BHA) is expanding its world-leading equine Anti-Doping programme to include testing for evidence of gene doping, following extensive research into detection methods.

In a significant move to protect the integrity of British racing and the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses, the testing will be incorporated immediately into the BHA鈥檚 routine raceday and out of competition sampling processes.

Gene doping includes the use of genetic or cellular manipulation of the horse鈥檚 DNA, either directly via gene editing techniques or by the addition of genetic material into the cell by gene transfer, in an attempt to enhance athletic performance or aid recovery following exercise.

Prohibited under the Rules of Racing, gene doping is widely recognised across international jurisdictions as an emerging risk to racehorse welfare, the fairness of competition on the racecourse and the future of the thoroughbred breed.

To combat this evolving threat, the BHA has invested nearly 拢2 million into ground-breaking scientific research at the LGC laboratory in Fordham to improve the detection and monitoring of gene doping.

Following the establishment of a specialist team at LGC in 2019 and with BHA support and input from Centre for Racehorse Studies, researchers at LGC have developed and refined the technological capabilities to identify where gene doping may have occurred 鈥� a major step forward in deterring its use.

Alongside establishing and validating the necessary analytical methods, the LGC laboratory has successfully secured accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service to roll out what will be the first of a new generation of tests looking at different forms of gene doping.

The new testing will begin immediately as part of the BHA鈥檚 wider equine听anti-doping programme, which combines raceday sampling with out of competition testing to ensure the Rules of Racing are being followed and that the sport is safe, fair and clean.

The programme utilises random sampling and intelligence-led testing as a deterrent against the use of prohibited substances and the inappropriate use of medicines and methods that could give competitors an unfair advantage and have a negative impact on horse welfare.

The BHA鈥檚 Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brant Dunshea, said:

鈥淭esting for gene doping is a significant step forward for British racing and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our horses, protecting the thoroughbred breed and integrity of our competition.

鈥淲hile there are international examples of the use of genetic manipulation in other equestrian activities, there is no evidence to suggest that this is taking place in Britain or across any other international racing jurisdictions. However, scientific and technological advancements mean that genetic manipulation poses a very real risk to horseracing and the essence of the thoroughbred breed.

鈥淚t鈥檚 essential that we are proactive in this space, and through investing in this cutting-edge research we now have the technological capabilities to detect and deter any attempts to exploit nefarious techniques that could give horses an unfair advantage.

鈥淲e will continue to work with the LGC laboratory, our international partners through the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and the wider scientific community to expand our knowledge and analytical capabilities and stay ahead of any new integrity and welfare threats.鈥�

LGC鈥檚 Laboratory Director for Animal Sports testing, Dr James Scarth, said:

鈥淭he BHA鈥檚 long-term strategic investment into gene doping research at LGC means that we are now in a position to deploy routine tests to tackle this potential threat.

鈥淟GC鈥檚 team of expert scientists, led by Dr Edward Ryder, have developed novel and effective solutions to detect both transgenes and their delivery vectors in equine samples. These innovative methods have been developed with flexibility in mind, allowing us to add new genes should new threats emerge, ensuring the relevance of the technology for years to come.

鈥淭he experimental work has been complemented in parallel with the establishment of partnerships with other global laboratories and racing authorities, which has led to the development of international guidelines for gene doping analyses.鈥�

Notes to editors:

1. A frequently asked questions document is available听.

2. More information about the BHA鈥檚 equine Anti-Doping programme is available on听the BHA website.

3.听Gene Doping听is defined by the World Anti Doping Agency as the nontherapeutic use of cells, genes, genetic elements, or modulation of gene expression, that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance. There are two main methods of gene doping; the first is gene transfer with non-integrating transgenes which affects the individual animal only. The second is gene editing, which is the direct alteration of the genome of an organism which potentially affects both the individual animal and future generations.

4.听In 2016 the听International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)听established a Gene Doping Control Subcommittee, with the purpose of safeguarding the integrity of horseracing and the thoroughbred breed. Membership of the subcommittee includes Dr Edward Ryder of the LGC Group, with Acting BHA chief executive officer Brant Dunshea a regular observer. More information about the IFHA subcommittee is available听.

5.听About LGC Group.听LGC is a global leader in life science tools, dedicated to partnering with customers to deliver solutions that diagnose, treat, feed, and protect our growing population. With over 180 years of scientific heritage, LGC collaborates with the scientific community to tackle some of the world鈥檚 most complex challenges, responding to global health crises, pioneering precision medicine, and enhancing the safety of food, medicines, and the environment.听Operating in 14 countries, LGC鈥檚 products and services are integral to industries that safeguard public health, food, water, and medicine. LGC’s solutions help its diverse customer base鈥攆rom pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic manufacturers to testing laboratories and food producers鈥攎aintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.听With over 60 years of experience in doping control since its founding in 1963, LGC’s听 contributions to horseracing have significantly advanced animal welfare and the integrity of animal sports.听Its world-leading and ongoing research and testing programmes have been instrumental in guiding the development of international thresholds and drug testing policies.听As early adopters of new techniques and technologies, LGC are recognised as industry specialists in analysing doping threats, anabolic steroid chemistry, hair analysis, and gene doping.听Together with its partners, LGC works toward a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world, advancing the science that protects people and the planet.

The Rules have been amended following consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholder groups, including the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and Professional Jockeys Association (PJA).

The update also provides further clarification and reminders about some Rules that are already in place or have been announced previously and are soon due to come into effect.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. If you have any queries about any of the below changes, please contact: Disciplinary@britishhorseracing.com.

VETERINARY UPDATES

Intra-articular injection stand down

The Running Requirements Code has previously stated that a horse must not be administered with any intra-articular corticosteroid within 14 days of a raceday.

This has now been broadened so that intra-articular injections of any substance (i.e., not just corticosteroid injections) must not be administered on raceday or on any of the 14 clear days before.

This change, which has been supported by the NTF鈥檚 Equine Welfare Panel and the BHA鈥檚 veterinary group, will come into effect on Saturday 12 April 2025.

Paragraph 7.1 of the Running Requirements will be updated accordingly.

Prohibited shoes on the racecourse

The BHA is currently consulting with trainers and other stakeholders about revisions to the shoeing Rules, in particular to clarify the position around the use of shoes with studs.

We will update you as soon as these changes have been finalised. But in the meantime, we would like to remind trainers that shoes with significant protrusions that may present a safety risk for horses or riders will not be permitted for racing. These include, for example, horseshoes with trailered heels.

Bisphosphonates

Following agreement with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), from 1 January 2027 the use of bisphosphonates (BPs) will no longer be permitted. This is due to significant welfare-related concerns with the use of BPs.

We will be in touch in due course with additional guidance in the lead up to the introduction of the total ban of BPs, but in the meantime we would advise you that, due to erratic excretion times, the use of bisphosphonates in the period leading up to the total ban should be avoided where possible. Further guidance is provided in this .

As a reminder, under the current Rules BPs are not to be administered to horses at any time before the horse is aged four, or on Race-day or any of the 30 clear days before if aged over four.

Please see the full of the upcoming change.

Use of Clenbuterol

We would also like to remind you that the Rules will shortly be amended to reflect updated requirements regarding the use of the beta-2 agonist clenbuterol, following agreement on regulation of its use by the IFHA.

The updated requirements, which will be fully incorporated into the Rules of Racing from听1 April 2025, are set out in this听.

Clenbuterol is considered a Category A Substance and is prohibited at all times unless prescribed by a veterinarian as a bronchodilator at the appropriate dose and not exceeding two courses of treatment within any six-month period. See the听听for full requirements.

The BHA would however discourage the use of clenbuterol unless it is considered absolutely necessary, given the risks of cross-contamination and the time it takes to pass through the system (i.e. withdrawal time).

Paragraph 1.3 of the听听will be updated accordingly.

RACE PLANNING

Black Type Elimination Sequence

Following unanimous agreement from the Racing Committee, the Black Type Elimination Sequence has been updated to incorporate penalties and sex allowances into the base handicap ratings of runners in Class 1 Flat and Jump races to create an elimination rating.

This means that any sex allowance will be added to the handicap rating for fillies and mares and any applicable penalties will be deducted from a horse鈥檚 handicap rating to determine the rating used for elimination.

Paragraph 21 of the will be amended and the changes will be implemented from the beginning of the 2025 Flat turf season (Saturday 29 March) and 2025/26 Jump season (Sunday 27 April).

Two-Year-Old Novice definition

The definition of a two-year-old novice is being changed to better support the overall programme by encouraging more two-year-olds to enter handicap company in the latter stages of the Flat season.

From the start of the 2025 Flat turf season, a two-year-old novice will be defined as any horse that has not had more than two completed runs, except if it is yet to win a race under the rules of a recognised racing authority or is a two-year-old and the race is before 1 July.

This means that a two-year-old who has completed three or more runs and won a race will no longer be classed as a two-year-old novice from 1 July onwards.

The changes to the two-year-old novice will come into effect from the beginning of the 2025 Flat turf season (Saturday 29 March).

Jump Novice definition

Horseracing Ireland (HRI) has announced the introduction of a small number of 鈥樷�� for the 2025/26 Jump season. These are similar to National Hunt Junior Hurdles in Britain, where the winners of these races are not precluded from competing in novice hurdles the following Jump season.

To support the development of young National Hunt Stock across both Britain and Ireland, this protection will also be applied to the winners of Academy Races in Ireland, who will therefore be able to compete in British novice hurdles the following season. However, Britain will not reciprocate the maiden status that HRI is offering to its own winners in Ireland.

The changes to the of a Jump Novice will come into effect from the beginning of the 2025/26 Jump season (Sunday 27 April).

Walk overs

In the rare event of a walk over, the remaining horse in the race will no longer need to be ridden across the finish line to be declared the winner.

This change is designed to reduce the overall impact of a walk over and remove the additional requirements placed on participants.

will be removed from the Rules accordingly.

听

STABLE EMPLOYEES

Stable Employees Code

The wording of the Stable Employees Code has been adjusted to confirm that trainers must ensure new employees are entered onto their Stable Employee Register on the same day as joining the organisation.

The addition of the timing for the requirement provides clarity to the existing Rules.

Registering new employees as soon as they start is a vital requirement for their eligibility for the Racing Industry Accident Benefit Scheme (RIABS).

Paragraph 2 of the will be updated accordingly.

APPRENTICE AND CONDITIONAL CLAIMING STRUCTURE

In agreement and with the support of the PJA and NTF, the number of winners a Flat Apprentice and Jump Conditional need to ride before losing their 5lb claim has been extended by 10 winners (from 50 to 60 for Flat Apprentices and 40 to 50 for Jump Conditionals) to help further support the development and progression of young jockeys.

This change will apply for Flat Apprentices in races on and after Saturday 29 March, and for Jump Conditions on and after Thursday 1 May.

The revised claim structure will be:

Jockeys’ Weight Allowances in Flat Races

• 7lb until they have won 20 Races
• 5lb听until they have won听60 Races
• 3lb until they have won 95 Races,

听Jockeys’ Weight Allowances in Jump Races

• 10lb until they have won 5 Races if they are a听Conditional Jockey听riding for their employing听Trainer
• 7lb until they have won 20 Races
• 5lb听until they have won听50 Races
• 3lb until they have won 75 Races

Any riders who have previously ridden out their 5lb claim but have not won a further 10 races since will return to claiming 5lb. For example, an Apprentice who has had a total of 55 Flat winners and is currently claiming 3lbs will revert to 5lb for a further five winners until reaching 60. The claim will then reduce to 3lb until they have ridden 95 winners.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT 鈥� HELMET TAGGING

A reminder that changes to helmet standards in training yard and on racecourses come into effect on 30 June 2025.

The BHA is working with trainers, stable employees and jockeys to provide support about which helmets do and do not comply with the new Rules.

We have arranged a series of tagging sessions, which trainers and teams are encouraged to attend. The next of these take place at the following locations:

• Wednesday 26 March, 12-2pm, Oaksey House (main open space), Lambourn, RG17 8XS
• Wednesday 26 March, 12-2pm, Jack Berry House (Boardroom), Malton, YO17 7EY.

There is no need for each member of staff to attend these sessions with their individual helmets; someone from the yard can bring all helmets for checking, which should hopefully make things easier.

These changes, which seek to provide additional clarity and consistency around the treatment and medication administered to horses, come into effect on the dates specified below.

We also wanted to remind trainers and veterinary surgeons about the mandatory 14-day stand-down period from racing following the administration of intra-articular (into the joint) corticosteroids. Please see more details below.

For any queries, please contact: anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.

USE OF CLENBUTEROL

The Rules will be amended to reflect updated requirements regarding the use of the beta-2 agonist clenbuterol, following agreement on regulation of its use by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

The updated requirements, which will be fully incorporated into the Rules of Racing from 1 April 2025, are set out in this .

Clenbuterol is considered a Category A Substance and is prohibited at all times unless prescribed by a veterinarian as a bronchodilator at the appropriate dose and not exceeding two courses of treatment within any six-month period. See the for full requirements.

The BHA would however discourage the use of clenbuterol unless it is considered absolutely necessary, given the risks of cross-contamination and the time it takes to pass through the system (i.e. withdrawal time).

Paragraph 1.3 of the will be updated accordingly.

CATEGORY A SUBSTANCES

With immediate effect, an addition to the Rules will allow the removal of the 14-month stand-down period for a horse in instances where a positive result is returned for certain types of Category A substances and it has been established through further testing that there is no lasting effect on the horse.

Examples include where a horse has tested positive for anti-depressants or cocaine, and where this has resulted from human cross-contamination. This will only be available where the substance falls into those covered in Paragraph 6 of the听.

There will also be further associated changes to the penalty guidance which will allow Disciplinary Panels to impose a suspended period of suspension upon the responsible person rather than the more serious disqualification, which had been the case.

听and the听听will be updated accordingly.

STAND-DOWN PERIOD AFTER INTRA-ARTICULAR INJECTIONS

We also want to remind trainers and teams about the mandatory from racing following the administration of intra-articular (into the joint) corticosteroids, which has been in place since 2015.

A horse must not have been administered with any intra-articular corticosteroid on race day or on any of the 14 clear days before. If the injection is administered on day 1, the horse would be eligible to race again from day 16.

We have seen a significant rise in positive cases this year and would like to emphasise that the 14-day stand-down period is a minimum period and is not the same as a detection time.

Where higher doses of corticosteroid are used or when more complex joints or backs are injected, the detection time may be considerably longer than the minimum mandated stand-down period, and there should be a careful consideration of a suitable withdrawal time. You can find more guidance .

Elective testing

We welcome and recommend submissions for elective testing using the following forms:

• Elective testing approval
• Elective testing submission

These can be made once a horse holds an entry for a race and when the minimum 14-day stand-down period has elapsed after administration of an intra-articular corticosteroid. Results can be obtained on either a two-day turnaround time at a cost of 拢214.26 + VAT, or four-day turnaround time at a cost of 拢142.84 + VAT from submission of a urine sample.

Requests for elective testing should be made to the Medication Control and Anti-Doping department who can be contacted at:听 anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.

Elective testing may be requested in any circumstance where your vet considers that the detection time of a therapeutic substance may be prolonged.

Private sample analysis

Private testing is also available, with trainers able to request that any new horse into their yard is tested for Prohibited At All Times substances, which will also include some long-acting medications.

The request for must be made within seven days of the horse entering the trainer鈥檚 care and the horse must not have run during this time. To request a private sample analysis, please contact: anti-doping@britishhorseracing.com.

The new licence is part of wider efforts to promote the continued growth of shared ownership, by giving members increased confidence in how syndicates and racing clubs are managed and regulated.

Its introduction follows an extensive period of engagement with stakeholders, including an industry-wide consultation, to ensure that the regulation keeps pace with the increasing appeal of syndicate and racing club membership.

The licence will apply to anyone wishing to manage a syndicate or racing club that advertises publicly or that they are paid to administer. This includes licensed trainers who run their own syndicate or racing club.

Existing syndicators and club managers will be required to have a valid licence in place by 1 January 2026, while anyone applying to set up a new syndicate or racing club after 1 January 2025 will need to ensure they have already been granted a licence.

The BHA has already contacted existing syndicators and club managers to help ensure the new licence is introduced as smoothly as possible, with step-by-step guidance to support the application process. Ongoing assistance will also be available via the BHA鈥檚 ownership team.

The new licensing process builds on the existing registration and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the minimum standards expected by the BHA are clear, understood and met by anyone with financial responsibility for a syndicate or racing club.

It will allow the BHA to evaluate applications more thoroughly, assessing key areas such as business competence and an understanding of how to properly advertise and promote shared ownership.

Through the application process, the BHA can also offer applicants additional support and more consistent guidance, with increased clarity about the role of a syndicator or racing club manager and the requirements placed on them under the Rules of Racing.

The licence does not seek to interfere with the commercial business or stipulate how a shared ownership entity should be run, as long as it meets the requirements of the licence.

Harry Williams, BHA Head of Participant Services, said:

鈥淭he continued growth of shared ownership is a key part of racing鈥檚 long-term sustainable future, with syndicates and racing clubs giving more people the chance to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership in an affordable and enjoyable way.

鈥淭he vast majority of syndicates and racing clubs are operated to the very highest standards, but inevitably as the number of people involved in setting up, running and promoting them continues to rise, so do the associated regulatory challenges.

鈥淏y introducing this new licence, the BHA can take a more proactive approach to managing emerging risks and maintain consistent standards across the board. This will not only provide greater clarity for syndicators and club managers about their role and responsibilities, but also help maintain trust in shared ownership by ensuring those involved feel confident that they are sufficiently protected and supported.

鈥淭his is an important step forward as we look to retain racehorse owners here in Britain and attract the next generation.鈥�

Louise Norman, interim Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association, said:听

鈥淲e welcome the BHA鈥檚 introduction of a new licence for syndicators and racing club managers. This initiative is a significant step forward in ensuring the integrity and transparency of shared ownership in British racing. By establishing clear standards and providing thorough oversight, the new licensing process will not only protect current members but also attract new participants to our sport with greater confidence.

“The Racehorse Owners Association fully supports this proactive approach to regulation, which will help sustain the growth and appeal of syndicates and racing clubs for years to come.鈥�

Chairman of the Racehorse Syndicates Association, Dan Abraham, said:

“The Racehorse Syndicates Association are delighted to support the introduction of a license for syndicators and racing club managers. The initiative provides clarity on minimum standards and an opportunity for the BHA to assess the competence of those who run commercial syndicates and clubs. In addition, it provides further confidence to anyone getting involved with well-run syndicates and racing clubs.”

Alan Delmonte, Chief Executive of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, said:

鈥淗BLB and the BHA have discussed for some time the importance of ensuring that there are appropriate resources in this key area given the growing popularity of shared ownership. The Board agreed to provide significant additional funding to provide the initial resources necessary for the launch of the licensing system which we are pleased to see announced today.鈥�

Notes to editors

Any person or corporate body wishing to act as a syndicator or club manager will need to ensure they are licensed. The definitions of a syndicate and racing club are as follows:

• SYNDICATE: A form of shared ownership where the Members own, or lease, an interest in racehorses and the Syndicator receives remuneration for their role and/or the method of attracting participation in the entity includes invitations to the public.
• RACING CLUB: An entertainment associated with racehorses, where the Members acquire no ownership rights to, or lease an interest in, any racehorses but may acquire certain benefits such as the sharing of prize money.

The BHA has already contacted existing syndicators and club managers to help ensure the new licence is introduced as smoothly as possible, with step-by-step guidance to support the application process. Ongoing support will also be available via the BHA鈥檚 ownership team.

More information about the licensing process is available on the shared ownership page of the BHA website.

The BHA is grateful to the Horserace Betting Levy Board for supporting the introduction of the new licencing process as part of its wider contribution to British racing鈥檚 regulatory and integrity functions.

These Rules have been added or amended to improve clarity and consistency, following engagement with and feedback from participants, including the National Trainers Federation鈥檚 Equine Welfare Panel.

Please also note the updated deadline for ensuring equine influenza vaccination records are up to date and that a horse is qualified to race. This is set out below, with the new deadline in place from 1 June 2024.

• If you have any queries about the Rule changes, please contact:听Disciplinary@britishhorseracing.com.
• For any help with the Weatherbys Vaccination app, please email:听vaccapp@weatherbys.co.uk.

USE OF ICE PRIOR TO RACING

The use of ice on a horse prior to racing will not be permitted once the horse has arrived at the racecourse, unless approved by a BHA veterinary officer.

Previously, ice was allowed to be applied to a horse on a racecourse up until two hours before the start time of a race, and within two hours if approval was granted.

As ice can be used to mask pain, it has now been agreed that ice or other cooling devices can only be used once a horse enters a racecourse if permission is granted from a veterinary officer.

听will be updated accordingly on 1 July 2024.

USE OF EQUIPMENT IN THE STABLES

An addition to the Rules intended to make clear what equipment is听not听permitted to be used on horses in the racecourse stables area.

Unless approved by a BHA veterinary officer, items designed or advertised to have an effect on the horse鈥檚 body system, such as magnetic boots, magnetic rugs and massage pads, should not be brought onto racecourse property.

听will be added to the Rules on 1 July 2024.

SENSORY HAIR REMOVAL

The removal of sensory hairs (more commonly known as whiskers) will no longer be permitted, bringing British racing into line with other international equestrian disciplines.

Unless removed by a veterinarian on welfare grounds or to allow for treatment, the sensory hairs around a horse鈥檚 mouth, nose and eyes can no longer be clipped, shaven or removed in any way.

This change has been made to help ensure a horse鈥檚 tactile sensory function is not compromised, which can happen if sensory hairs are removed.

听will be added to the Rules on 1 July 2024

USE OF LIP CHAINS

An amendment to the Equipment Code for lip chains to provide greater clarity about the circumstances in which they can be used on a racecourse.

From 1 July, lip chains can only be used if the chain is covered and connected to a lead rope which is under the control of a handler on the ground.

A trainer can also now apply a lip chain without permission from a veterinary officer.

Veterinary officers will be monitoring to ensure lip chains are being used in the right way, to help avoid any discomfort to the horse or injury to others if used incorrectly.

Paragraph 18 of the 听will be updated to reflect this change.

EQUINE INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS 鈥� UPDATED DEADLINE

We continue to encourage trainers to ensure equine influenza vaccinations have been administered, uploaded to the Weatherbys App and verified by a veterinary surgeons听before听entries close. This remains the most effective way of ensuring that the horse is qualified to race.

But we recognise that there may be times where there are challenges with administrative processes and that additional time may be required to resolve any issues.

Please note that as of听1 June 2024, the deadline for having vaccination information uploaded and approved on the Weatherbys Vaccination App was amended as follows:

• Trainers will now have until听4pm听on the day听a race closes听to resolve any issues with a horse鈥檚 vaccination status.
• The deadline for the trainer鈥檚 veterinary surgeon to verify vaccinations will continue to be听9am the day听after听the race closes.

This follows a review of the听trial introduced last year听to give trainers additional time after entries had closed to address any outstanding issues with their horse鈥檚 vaccination status. As part of the trial, the deadline was extended from midday on the day of the race to 9am the following day.

However, it has become evident that the 9am deadline does not allow sufficient time for updates on the Vaccination App to be manually processed 鈥� leading to delays in getting information out to participants and the public.

As such, trainers will continue to be given additional time to ensure the correct information has been recorded on the Weatherbys App, but the deadline has been brought forward to 4pm on the day the race closes, rather than 9am on the following day.

Veterinary surgeons will still have until 9am the day after entries close to verify the vaccination records, and the email reminder system will remain in place to help reduce the likelihood of a situation where a horse is not qualified to race.