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.

• 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.

Schooling trial days will return to British racecourses and Point-to-Point venues this autumn following a successful first phase of a pilot earlier this year.

The , which are led by the Horse Welfare Board and supported by the Racing Foundation and British Horseracing Authority, offer horses the opportunity to gain crucial experience on the track prior to running in competitive races under rules, as well as those horses returning from lay-offs or switching obstacles.

A total of 225 horses took part in schooling trials during the first phase of the pilot.

Primarily aimed at Jump horses, the pilot began at Larkhill Point-to-Point in January 2025 and resumes at Ffos Las Racecourse on Thursday 9 October, followed by:

• Worcester Racecourse, 23 October

• Larkhill Point-to-Point, 4 November

• Maisemore Park Point-to-Point, 10 November (*rescheduled to 24 November)

• Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, 18 November

The schooling days typically feature 6-8 trials per day, with each involving 10 to 12 horses and run at a slower pace than a regular rules race, helping to simulate a raceday experience but without the added pressure of competitive action.

The programme is open to horses of all ages and stages in their careers, from young unraced prospects to experienced racehorses returning after a break.

Pip Kirkby, Horse Welfare Board Project Lead, said:听鈥淲e are delighted that the schooling trial pilot will return for a second phase this autumn, beginning at Ffos Las on Thursday.

鈥淭he initiative was very well supported by trainers in the first phase, and we were therefore extremely pleased to be able to resume the pilot, with the ongoing support of the Racing Foundation.

鈥淭he feedback we have received has been very positive so far, with trainers praising this new avenue that they can use to better prepare their horses for competitive action.

鈥淭he autumn schedule has already proved very popular, with plenty of runners set to attend each of the trial days, and we will be confirming more dates for early 2026 in due course.鈥�

Notes to editors:

1. For more information contact: schooling@racehorsewelfare.co.uk

British racing has today released to boost knowledge and best-practice for those working with racehorses, as part of the sport鈥檚 commitment to ensuring 鈥楢 Life Well Lived鈥� for its equine athletes.听

Over 10,000 people are employed in equine-facing roles across the more than 500 training yards and 660 stud farms in Britain. The release of the free education tools, available via the sport鈥檚 e-learning platform, Racing2Learn, is free to access to anyone working in British racing or the Thoroughbred breeding industry to enhance their knowledge of equine care.听

Developed in collaboration with world-class veterinary experts and delivered by the Horse Welfare Board (HWB), British Horseracing Authority (BHA) welfare team and the BHA Training and Education team, the modules have been designed to encourage best practice and disseminate the latest veterinary advice and knowledge to ensure racehorses receive the very best care across their lives.听

The new provision covers key areas of equine care, from a horse鈥檚 physical health to facilitating enhanced wellbeing. These range from the importance of water provision, gastric ulcer management, worming and heat stress, to the principles of training and learning, equine body language, and natural equine behaviour. The ten modules comprise:听

Ensuring the best possible quality of life for Thoroughbreds was a key outcome of the Horse Welfare Board鈥檚 five-year strategy 鈥楢 Life Well Lived鈥�, released in 2019, with specific recommendations for the sport to deliver improved and more aligned training programmes across the industry.听听

In 2022, the Racing Foundation awarded the Horse Welfare Board 拢3m to support welfare projects including best-practice training and education for those within the sport. Since 2000, 拢60m has been invested by the sport into equine welfare by the sport鈥檚 two major funders, the Horserace Betting and Levy Board (HBLB) and the Racing Foundation.听

Alongside other welfare training opportunities such as the Thoroughbred Breeder鈥檚 Association (TBA)鈥檚 TB-Ed programme aimed specifically at breeding and the sport鈥檚 aftercare provider Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)鈥檚 training and education seminars, webinars and clinics, the modules provide a holistic and continuous approach to training and education on equine welfare across the sport.听

Baroness Minette Batters, Independent Chair of the Horse Welfare Board said:

鈥淚t鈥檚 so important that everyone involved in racehorse care is equipped with the knowledge, practical skills and best-practice in order to deliver the best quality of life.听 Welfare doesn’t sit still, so it is vital we keep everyone in the sport up to date with the latest in equine care and wellbeing. This wouldn鈥檛 be possible without the generous support of the Racing Foundation, to whom we are immensely grateful.鈥�听

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation said:

鈥淭he Racing Foundation is delighted to support the provision of continuous learning and education opportunities regarding equine welfare, which forms part of our multi-year funding commitment to the Horse Welfare Board. Ensuring the highest possible standards of care for racehorses is a key priority for all stakeholders within British racing and this project, along with others from the 鈥楢 Life Well Lived鈥� strategy, will contribute to achieving this aim. The new modules cover a great range of pertinent topics, and we hope those working in equine-facing roles will find them interesting and informative. “听

Notes to Editors

• For queries relating to the modules or access via Racing2Learn please contact the Racing2Learn hotline: 020 7152 0021 or racing2learn@britishhorseracing.com
• For more information, please contact Lauren Stanley, Great British Racing, lstanley@greatbritishracing.com
• About the Horse Welfare Board: British Racing鈥檚 goal has always been to lead the way in setting the best welfare standards in the world, both on and off the racecourse. The Horse Welfare Board was established in 2019 and has been responsible for overseeing the single overarching strategy for equine welfare in the racing industry. The five-year strategy, 鈥�A life well-lived鈥�, was launched in February 2020. It considers the whole of the racing industry, including sectors not currently fully regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and looks across the lifetime of all horses bred for racing. Multiple workstreams are underway covering projects ranging from traceability, training, obstacle improvement and development, through to welfare funding. The strategy can be read in full HERE.

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.

The post-mortem was carried out by Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons of Newmarket.

The findings of the post-mortem state that the exercise-associated episode experienced by the horse after the race had concluded by the time of death.

However, a severe bacterial respiratory infection (pleuropneumonia) had occurred post-race which led to the horse鈥檚 deterioration on Monday evening, with the subsequent onset of sepsis or endotoxaemia (the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream from bacteria) likely to have been a key factor in the cause of death.

Blood tests taken from the day of the race indicate that the infection had not been present in the horse on raceday, and was therefore developed after the race.

Further bloods taken on the Monday indicated a severely compromised immune system. These indications had not been present in the bloods taken on the day of the race. This indicates that this issue emerged subsequent to the race and the exercise-associated episode.

The heart pathology found no issues which are likely to be significant in the death of the horse.

As stated previously, the circumstances around the fatality 鈥� as is the case with any fatal injury 鈥� are being reviewed in detail. The post-mortem forms one part of this process. In addition, the Grand National is always reviewed in detail after every running of the race by the BHA and the Jockey Club.

Dr Hill has served in the role since 2014 and has played a central role in advancing medical and healthcare standards across British racing. He will remain with the BHA over the coming months to support a smooth transition, including assisting with the recruitment and induction of his successor.

Dr Hill joined the BHA in 2014, having been Senior Racecourse Medical Officer at Lingfield Park racecourse, a Squad Doctor for the England Football Teams at the FA, as well as a member of the Football Association Medical Committee and former Sports Physician at the 2012 London Olympics.

During his time with the BHA, Dr Hill has forged close relationships across the sport and has been a tireless advocate for the welfare of jockeys and riders. He has championed the mantra that jockeys are elite athletes and that their healthcare provision and routines should reflect this, with an increased focus on physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental health care as standard practice.

Jerry played a vital role in the development of enhanced on-course medical care and physiotherapy services, working with racecourses. He also worked closely with organisations such as the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), Racecourse Association (RCA), Amateur Jockeys Association (AJA), and Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) to ensure that jockey and rider wellbeing remains central to the sport鈥檚 healthcare provision.

Memorably, Dr Hill played a leading part in the sport-wide collaborative effort to maintain British racing during the COVID-19 pandemic, with racing鈥檚 development of return-to-racing protocols ensuring that the sport was given the green light to be the first sport to return to professional action following the lockdown.

As a result, Dr Hill was awarded an MBE in the Queen鈥檚 2021 Birthday Honours for services to British Horseracing during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the George Ennor Trophy for Outstanding Achievement in Racing at the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA)鈥檚 annual 鈥淒erby Awards鈥� in December 2020, and the Presidents鈥� Special Award at the Professional Jockeys鈥� Association 鈥淟esters鈥� awards, also in December 2020.

The BHA will begin the recruitment process for a new Chief Medical Adviser shortly. Dr Hill will remain in post to assist with the process and take part in the new appointee鈥檚 induction.

BHA Acting Chief Executive Brant Dunshea said:

鈥淛erry has made a significant and lasting impact on British racing. His passion, knowledge and leadership have helped shape a progressive approach to jockey health and medical care. He also played a crucial role in guiding our decision making and our engagement with government as the sport navigated the challenges of the pandemic, for which we are all hugely grateful.

鈥淥n behalf of the BHA and everyone in British racing, I want to thank Jerry for his outstanding service and wish him the very best for his retirement. I am also grateful that Jerry has agreed to remain in post until his successor can be found, and to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities鈥�

Dr Hill said:

鈥淚t has been a privilege to work in a sport where the welfare of its people is taken so seriously. I鈥檝e greatly valued the opportunity to work closely with jockeys and industry colleagues to help place the health of riders at the heart of the sport鈥檚 medical care. British racing is fortunate to have so many skilled and committed professionals working to support its participants, and I look forward to seeing that work continue.鈥�

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.

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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 appointments, once confirmed, will come into effect in June and will play a pivotal role in both shaping and delivering the next phase of British racing鈥檚 equine welfare strategy.

Alongside the Chair and three new independent members, the Horse Welfare Board will continue to include expert representation from within racing, the details of whom will be confirmed later in the year. Once in place, the refreshed board will work in partnership with the BHA and stakeholders across British racing and will liaise with external bodies and scientific experts as required to help drive progress.

Brant Dunshea, Acting CEO, BHA said: 鈥淭he welfare of our horses is at the heart of everything we do in British racing. Over the last five years, the sport鈥檚 A Life Well Lived strategy has helped drive forward continuous improvements across safety, traceability, data, and aftercare. Later this year we will deliver the next iteration of our equine welfare strategy, which will continue to be overseen by an independently chaired board.

鈥淭hese key appointments to the Horse Welfare Board will ensure that we continue to evolve, drive best practices, and maintain the trust of the public and our stakeholders. We are seeking experienced and passionate individuals who can make a meaningful impact on the future of horse welfare.鈥�

Barry Johnson, outgoing Chairman of the Horse Welfare Board, added: 鈥淚t has been a privilege to lead the Horse Welfare Board across the full five years of racing鈥檚 A Life Well Lived strategy, a period where we have seen significant progress in activity to enhance equine welfare. However, there is always more to be done, and strong leadership is vital to ensure continuous improvement.

鈥淭his recruitment process presents an exciting opportunity for new voices to shape the future of welfare in our industry. I encourage individuals who are passionate about horse welfare to apply and contribute to this important work.鈥�

The Horse Welfare Board will continue to play a pivotal role in helping to shape policies, ensuring industry accountability, and strengthening welfare measures across the sector. Working alongside representatives from racing, the new independent positions on the board will bring fresh perspectives, ensuring that decisions reflect both industry expertise and help drive public confidence.

The independently chaired Horse Welfare Board was established in 2019 to drive industry-wide alignment and focus on racehorse welfare, including substantive welfare matters and considerations of public perception, ensuring continuous progress and alignment with evolving best practices. The five-year strategy 鈥楢 Life Well Lived鈥� was launched in February 2020, with work gathering momentum from 2021 across 26 welfare projects following on from the appointment of a dedicated programme team.

With the current strategy coming to its conclusion at the end of 2025, a structural refresh of the board will allow the new members to help shape and drive the sport鈥檚 strategy going forward. The outgoing Chair, Barry Johnson, and independent member, Dame Tracey Crouch, will step down in June 2025 at the end of their five-year tenure.

Applications are now open with a closing date of 28^th March. Further details on the roles and how to apply can be found at BHA Careers | British Horseracing Authority.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Gabi Whitfield, Head of Welfare Communications, Great British Racing gwhitfield@greatbritishracing.com

About The Horse Welfare Board

British Racing鈥檚 goal has always been to lead the way in setting the best welfare standards in the world, both on and off the racecourse. The Horse Welfare Board was established in 2019 and has been responsible for overseeing the single overarching strategy for equine welfare in the racing industry. The five-year strategy, 鈥�A life well-lived鈥�, was launched in February 2020 and considers the whole of the racing industry, including sectors not currently fully regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and looks across the lifetime of all horses bred for racing. Multiple workstreams are underway covering projects ranging from traceability, training, obstacle improvement and development, through to welfare funding. The strategy can be read in full HERE.