There are two changes to the starting procedures being implemented from this date:

1. The introduction of a visible “start area” designated by a new set of marker poles up to 40 yards back from the existing marker poles.

Races will only be allowed to start when the front rank of the field has entered the designated start area.

The objective of this is that riders will have certainty that the race will not be started in advance of this area and have certainty that their horse must be moving at walking pace within this area.

2. The wording within the rules as to the maximum pace at which a horse can approach the tapes has changed from “walk or jig-jog” to “walking pace”.

The front rank of the field must approach the tape at no faster than a walking pace, not at a ‘jig-jog’ as has previously been the case.

This has the objective of ensuring fewer false starts as it provides greater consistency in the starting process. Also, for instance, if the field is approaching no faster than a walking pace but a horse is cantering on the spot, the starter has discretion to let the race begin.

As per the current rules any horse who has fallen behind the field may be permitted to trot to catch up if required, until they have caught up with the field.

More details about the new procedures and how they will work can be found .

An explanatory video can be found or by clicking on the link below.

The new procedures will be introduced on an initial trial basis for a period of six to eight weeks. During this period, if a rider were to breach any of the new rules then they will be informed of this by stewards but not given a penalty. However should any of the existing start rules be breached then penalties will still apply.

During the trial period the BHA will continue to engage with riders and should any further adjustments be required then they will be considered prior to formal implementation of the rules and procedures. There is also the possibility to extent the trial period if necessary.

The new procedures are the result of extensive engagement with the PJA, jockeys, trainers and BHA officials. In July, a series of recommendations were published following a consultation process.

Subsequently those recommendations were discussed further with participants and a new starting procedure for jump races agreed. Jockeys who participated in the process included the likes of Keith Donoghue, Liam Harrison, Jack Kennedy, Danny Mullins, Sean Quinlan, Gavin Sheehan, Harry Skelton, Mark Walsh and Tabitha Worsley among others, and we are grateful for the part played by everyone involved in this process.

Cathy O’Meara, Head of Raceday Officials for the BHA, said:

“I would like to express our thanks to all of those who have given their time throughout this project, in particular to the jockeys who have willingly shared their time and expertise and helped us shape these new procedures.

“We are hopeful that the new procedures will create greater certainty for jockeys and the viewing public and reduce the number of false starts, especially at major fixtures where the issue is much more acute.

“We’ll monitor how it works through the trial period and will work with jockeys, trainers and officials to determine whether any adjustments are necessary.”

Dale Gibson, Executive Director (Racing) for the PJA, added:

“A smooth and fair start for all horses is important for everyone – jockeys, trainers, owners, racing staff and those betting on the sport – and the PJA and our members were keen and active participants in the review.  We therefore welcome the outcome and recommendations, many of which were proposed by senior riders and our safety officers.   With relatively few valuable, large-field races throughout the year, the changes cannot guarantee there will never be false or aborted starts.  But we believe the changes will lead to an improved process and make them less likely in general and less frequent overall.

“We will continue to work closely with our members and the BHA on the remaining areas for consultation during the initial trial period once the amended procedures commence.”

The three other recommendations which were published in July remain in development, including:

• Changes to the track layout at Cheltenham racecourse’s two most problematic starting points (2 mile and 2 1/2 mile): This work is nearing completion. These two starts are not used in the same way during the October William Hill Showcase meeting but revised layouts will be in place for the November meeting.
• Implement a tiered penalty increase specifically targeting Class 1 and Class 2 races across all courses: A consultation regarding the penalty changes remains ongoing with a view to implementation in Q1 2027.
• Explore the introduction of a live audio recording system at the start area to capture communications and instructions given by starters to jockeys, with a direct feed to the stewards’ room: Scoping of technology and consideration of processes ongoing, with a view to implementation ahead of 2027 Cheltenham Festival.

Notes to Editors

1. More detail about the new procedures can be found .
2. The percentage of races resulting in an aborted start at the Cheltenham Festival had increased annually over the last five years from around 18% in 2022 to nearly 40% in 2026. This is in contrast to wider jump racing where the rate has fluctuated between around 3% – 4% of starts over the same period.
3. Groups who participated in the consultation include:

• BHA officials and Racing Department
• Cheltenham racecourse
• Horserace Bettors Forum (HBF)
• Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB)
• Irish Jockeys Association (IJA) and Irish jockeys
• ITV and RTV broadcasters
• National Trainers Federations (NTF) and trainers
• Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and jockeys

Following a significant reduction in levels of equine influenza across the British horse population and the absence of any recent cases in thoroughbred racehorses, we are confident there is no longer a heightened risk of equine flu within the thoroughbred racing herd.

This means that existing restrictions on pony racing on British racecourses are lifted, as well as Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades and equine activities that form part of family fun day entertainment, such as petting farms and pony rides.

The lifting of restrictions also permits the resumption of hunter chases, although there are no such races scheduled to take place this time of year.

This decision follows extensive engagement with independent infectious disease experts, including the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance team.

BHA Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, James Given, said:

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has played their part in preventing the spread of equine flu across the horse population, and particularly into the thoroughbred herd.

“The six-monthly vaccinations that are required for all racehorses have proved effective in helping to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of flu within the thoroughbred herd, along with the additional measures introduced to prevent mixing of horses.

“We know that these measures have been disappointing and inconvenient to many. We thank everyone affected for their patience and cooperation, which has been vital in allowing us to protect the thoroughbred herd and continue racing while avoiding the need for more draconian measures.

“While the situation continues to improve, it’s important to maintain a biosecure environment for racehorses, and we would urge the racing community to follow the infection control guidance and remain vigilant to any signs of equine flu, particularly as we enter a busy period of sales.”

In line with the rules of racing regarding licensing matters this hearing was held in private.

The outcome of the Licensing Committee hearing can be found here: . Their decision was that the application was refused and the appeal dismissed.

The Licensing Committee has indicated that further written reasons will follow in due course.

In response to this, the BHA has issued the following statement.

“We acknowledge the decision announced by the Licensing Committee today to dismiss the appeal by Golden Mile Racing Limited against the BHA’s decision to refuse it a licence to operate Chelmsford City Racecourse.

“We note the Committee’s finding that it was the applicant’s responsibility to satisfy the Committee that a licence should be granted and that the material provided, including late and insufficiently detailed evidence, failed to do that.

“We also acknowledge the Committee’s finding that the BHA Executive and Board had been ‘misled as to the likelihood of an administration by John Holmes and that Great Leighs Estates Limited (GLEL) had not been frank about its indebtedness’.

“Chelmsford City Racecourse’s 12 Racecourse Fixtures remain with GLEL’s Administrator and may be sold or transferred to a licensed racecourse operator, with the consent of the BHA.

“The BHA’s racing department will continue to work with the National Trainers Federation, trainers, owners and other stakeholders to provide sufficient opportunities for horses within the race programme.

“With due regard to the Committee’s decision-making process, we will carefully consider the full written reasons when they are published in due course before making a more substantive comment.”

The fixture at Ffos Las will now take place on the afternoon of Monday 29 June, with Kempton Park rescheduled for Monday evening. Entries for these fixtures will close at midday on Tuesday 23 June.

The meeting at Salisbury will now take place on the afternoon of Tuesday 30 June, with entries closing at midday on Wednesday 24 June.

The race programme and prize money at all three fixtures will remain the same as the originally scheduled cards. Our thanks to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) for its contribution to the funding of prize money at these fixtures.

In addition, Thursday’s fixtures at Nottingham and Newmarket – both of which are located in amber alert zones – will now take place earlier to avoid racing during the hottest part of the day:

• Nottingham’s fixture will begin at 10:30am, with the last race taking place at 1pm
• Newmarket’s fixture will start at 10:45am with the final race at 1:15pm. The 2m Dereham Handicap will be rescheduled for the following day, Friday 26 June.

The BHA will continue to liaise with racecourses hosting fixtures in amber warning zones this week to consider any further mitigations that may be needed, in line with the industry’s 

Each fixture will be managed on a case-by-case basis, with several factors considered according to the local weather forecast and environmental conditions.

Trainers are advised that horses should not be moved from or through any areas where red heat warnings are in place.

Notes to editors:

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

The Board made a preliminary decision at the weekend. In accordance with the BHA’s published criteria GMRL had the ability to make oral and written representations to the Board with legal representation.

GMRL representatives made their case to the Board on 31 March. Having considered the matter carefully and taken full account of the points raised, the Board’s position remained that it did not consider it appropriate to grant a racecourse licence for CCR to GMRL.

The reasons for this decision are confidential.

The Board’s decision means GMRL is not licensed to stage any fixtures, pending the outcome of any appeal.  This means that regrettably no further fixtures will be staged at CCR pending the outcome of any appeal process. This includes the fixtures on 2 April, 3 April and 9 April.

In accordance with the Rules of Racing, GMRL may appeal the Board’s decision to the independent Licensing Committee (Rule (B)19).  A request for permission to appeal must be made to the Judicial Panel Executive within 21 days of receipt of the decision being challenged (Judicial Panels Code, paragraph 105).  The 21-day time period starts from the date GMRL receives the written reasons.

The fixture that took place on 26 March went ahead under the old licence holder GLEL and with agreement of the administrator. However, the licence held by GLEL expired on 31 March and so future fixtures required a new licence holder to be in place.

The fixtures on 2 April and 3 April will not be rescheduled. Plans for future fixtures including 9 April will be announced in due course.

The BHA has worked tirelessly with stakeholders to deliver this week’s fixtures. It is regrettable they have been cancelled at such short notice. We recognise this will impact owners, participants – especially trainers, staff and jockeys – as well as racegoers.

Further updates as regards this situation will be provided as appropriate.

This follows a meeting of the BHA Board, at which it was agreed that:

• Racecourses that have committed to complete their work by 31 December 2026 will be required to meet this deadline. By this point, it is expected that at least 80% will have finished the redevelopment work. If courses don’t meet this deadline, then consideration will be given to appropriate sanctions, determined on a case-by-case basis.
• The remaining 12 racecourses must finalise the upgrades by 31 December 2027, but will be strongly encouraged to do so before the beginning of July 2027. Racecourses that fail to meet the 31 December 2027 deadline will not be permitted to stage a fixture until the redevelopment has been completed.
• Racecourses that do not currently have a dedicated warm-up area are required to provide equipment and sufficient space for jockeys to use by 31 July 2025.

Work to improve and modernise weighing room facilities has been underway for several years, with the aim of delivering consistently high standards and improving access to valet, food, warm-up and rest facilities for all jockeys, including through new gender-neutral areas.

Essential safeguarding measures were prioritised and delivered at all racecourses by February 2022. But progress on the wider redevelopment has taken longer than expected, with racecourses citing financial and local authority planning-related challenges contributing to the delays.

In total, 14 racecourses have now finalised the upgrade work and are operating under the new arrangements, with York Racecourse currently using a female valet based in the female changing area. A further 14 courses are due to complete their redevelopment during 2025.

The remainder of racecourses will be required to meet the new deadlines, with dispensation only considered should issues arise that are beyond the venue’s immediate control, such as delays due to heritage listings, planning restrictions or environmental damage from, for example, flooding or fire.

In the meantime, the BHA, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and Racecourse Association (RCA) have agreed interim measures which all racecourses are expected to meet. The interim arrangements ensure that jockeys of all genders have access to essential services while the substantive redevelopment work takes place.

If these interim standards are not being met, this should be reported directly to the BHA stewards on the day and/or the BHA racecourse operations department so that any issues can be addressed as soon as possible.

The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has, since 2023, made available loans of up to £400,000 per racecourse to help support delivery of the weighing room upgrades. So far, HBLB has lent £1.6m to four racecourses, which represents approval of all applications received. HBLB’s deadline for loan applications is 31 March 2026.

Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Our jockeys are elite athletes and the facilities they use should reflect this. We understand the disappointment that the work has taken longer than expected, especially as where racecourses have completed their upgrades, the new layout works well and the feedback is very positive.

“The firm deadlines we are announcing today are hopefully a significant step forward. They are underpinned by clear regulatory action and linked directly to a racecourse’s licence to hold fixtures.

“We hope that this action provides reassurance to jockeys, valets, officials and everyone else operating in a weighing room on a raceday about our commitment to delivering the necessary improvements – and doing so as quickly as possible.”

Notes to editors:

The Weighing Room Facilities Project is overseen by a cross-industry approvals group, consisting of the BHA, Professional Jockeys Association and Racecourse Association, alongside individual jockey, valet and racecourse representatives. The approvals group meets every fortnight to consider, review and agree development proposals submitted by the racecourses. It also provides a forum to consider feedback from jockeys, valets, officials and others who are using the new facilities, which helps inform and support developments at other racecourses and embed new ways of working.

For more background information, please see this BHA blog, produced in December 2024.

• additional private changing and shower facilities in male and female changing rooms, following the initial increase by February 2022
• shared communal rest, food provision, and warm-up areas for jockeys
• new communal working space for valets, equally accessible from both female and male changing rooms
• sufficient flexibility to adapt changing room sizes according to varying numbers of participants and to changing societal needs.

Some courses have already taken significant steps towards delivering the new safeguarding minimum standards, with improvement work either underway or already close to completion.

The Racecourse Association is working with all courses to develop a funding proposal to support the wider reconfiguration.

In the meantime, all racecourses have carried out risk assessments and, alongside adherence of minimum safeguarding standards, are applying best practice guidance to protect and support jockeys while the wider structural and layout changes are delivered.

Discussions are also ongoing with jockey and trainer representatives about future weight structures, with jockeys having been supported through the pandemic with additional weight allowances.

BHA Chief Operating Officer, Richard Wayman, said: “These agreed upgrades are the product of cross-industry collaboration, with jockeys, racecourses and the BHA working together since the beginning of this year.

“The recommendations, which have been endorsed by industry leaders, will deliver substantive improvements to meet the evolving requirements of a modern weighing room environment, catering not just for today’s human athletes, but also future proofing for the next generation.”

PJA Executive Director (Racing), Dale Gibson, said: “Having consulted with our Members, the PJA supports the permanent closure of saunas. 88% of the 190 Jockeys who responded to our recent survey voted for their removal, with just 8% wanting them to remain. The COVID Weight Allowance structure is currently being debated amongst industry representatives, with no immediate changes agreed, it is vital that in remains in some shape or form.

“We have been lobbying for major improvements to facilities, particularly for our female riders, for years. Progress until now has been disappointing, but we welcome the change in approach and a lot of work has gone into the creation of this plan.

“The agreed improvements contained within it will bring all venues up to a defined minimum standard and the result will be improved facilities and a far more professional working environment for all our members”.

RCA Chief Executive, David Armstrong, said: “The RCA welcomes the announcement of the long-term plan to upgrade weighing rooms across Britain’s 59 racecourses. This presents a significant milestone and many months of hard work by the PJA, RCA, BHA plus jockey and racecourse representatives.

“The initial stage of meeting all ongoing safeguarding requirements is due to be completed by February which will include the welcome removal of saunas. The outcome of this project will be the creation of significantly improved weighing and changing room facilities that are in keeping with other elite and professional sports.”

Commenting on the decision to remove racecourse saunas, Dr Jerry Hill, BHA Chief Medical Adviser, said: “Saunas have been out of operation throughout the pandemic, which has presented the opportunity for a wider discussion about their long-term future in the context of making weight safely.

“Acute dehydration, such as that following sauna use, shortly before racing has been shown to reduce performance as it has a negative impact on reaction time and strength. There have been reports of increased falls and by extension injuries in jockeys who have suddenly dehydrated to make weight.

“There are safe and effective methods of maintaining weight healthily through fitness and nutrition and this bespoke support is available to jockeys through the PJA Nutrition Team as well as at the IJF Centres”.

Races will close at noon on Wednesday 7 July, with declarations at the 48-hour stage as normal. Race conditions will be available in due course.

Sophie Candy, Clerk of the Course at Windsor Racecourse said: “Following racing on Monday evening on soft, heavy in places we have had another 21mm rain overnight at Windsor and the track is now unraceable. Having raced recently on a combination of soft to heavy ground, current conditions, and the forecast for the week ahead, the decision has been made to move next week’s fixture to allow the track further recovery time. We would like to thank BHA and the NTF for their support in facilitating this move which has been done in the interests of all participants.”

These measures apply to all racing industry participants, officials and racecourse staff attending race meetings. This includes Owners, who have until now been required to follow separate guidance.

The COVID-19 Guidelines and Operating Procedures can be found , and should be read and understood by anyone likely to attend a raceday, prior to registering attendance at a fixture.

The document has been updated to reflect the easing of government COVID-19 restrictions, whilst still ensuring that racing’s participants – and particularly those working in higher-risk environments on raceday – continue to be protected.

The key measures that will be introduced from 17 May 2021 are as follows:

• Racecourses will continue to operate a zoning system on course, splitting the racecourse into two main infection control zones: ‘Green’ and Amber’
• The ‘Green Zone’ – where infection control measures are highest – will be reduced in size to include key indoor working areas, including the Weighing Room Complex
• Access to the Green Zone will be restricted to those working in these areas, such as jockeys, valets, officials and medics
• Existing infection control measures will remain in place in the Green Zone, including social distancing, entry screening and mandatory face coverings for those working in these areas.
• All other areas of the racecourse, including the Parade Ring and Racecourse Stables, will be in the Amber Zone
• Pre-raceday screening will be reduced for Amber Zone attendees, including trainers, stable staff and the media, but with social distancing remaining in place, as required by government
• Owners will be able to access the Parade Ring, but numbers entering the area will be restricted to comply with social distancing.
• Face coverings will still be mandatory in the Parade Ring, other close contact areas and indoors, but not elsewhere on course.

Please note that specific arrangements may vary to allow for differences in size and layout of racecourses.

To assist you with these changes, we have developed a Frequently Asked Questions document, which explains in more detail some of the more significant changes. This can be read .

These requirements will continue to be reviewed regularly and, where possible, relaxed, in line with government guidance.  In the meantime, thank you, as ever, for your patience, understanding and co-operation as we continue to operate under COVID-19 restrictions.

Racecourse attendance has been restricted since early January, following the announcement of a national lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. During this period, owners have continued to support their horses in training, despite not being able to see them in yards or on course.

British racing is enormously grateful to owners for their patience, understanding and unwavering support. Your return to the racecourse will mark a significant step in the move to normality – and will be welcomed by the entire industry.

Under current plans, owners – as key investors in British racing – will be able to attend race meetings in England and Scotland from Monday, as part of a phased, risk-managed approach, which corresponds as closely as possible to the respective government timetables.

Like other elite sport, racing continues to operate behind closed doors, with strict infection control measures in place to reduce the risk of the virus being transmitted on course. Therefore, owners will be asked to follow the and the specific .

Unless agreed otherwise with local authorities, from 29 March to 12 April, access to the racecourse will be limited to a maximum of two owners per horse, as was the case initially when owners returned in July 2020. Racecourses are not able to provide hospitality at this stage, due to government restrictions, but light refreshments will be available and there will be no time limit on how long owners are able to remain on course.

We aim to increase access to a maximum of six owners per horse from 12 April, following the further easing in government restrictions. At this point, racecourses will also be permitted to re-introduce outdoor hospitality.

Specific arrangements remain subject not only to government guidance, but also local authority decision-making, and therefore conditions may vary according to racecourse area. Racecourse officials are currently liaising with their local authorities and will contact owners directly ahead of each fixture with further details of any local requirements.

As ever, pre-registration is essential, and owners will be emailed automatically with details of how to register once their horse is entered to run. Please also see the Racecourse Association’s , which outlines important information on returning to the racecourse.

Racecourses in Wales are awaiting guidance on the return of owners, so owners should check with the racecourse in question as to the current arrangements.

We would also like to thank those owners who have attended behind closed doors fixtures and co-operated fully with the infection control measures in place. These are designed to keep everyone safe and protect racing from the risk of COVID-related disruption.

Thank you again for your support – and we look forward to seeing you back on the racecourse.