New BHA Policy To Allow Surface Switch On Raceday

[Wandering Eyes]

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced a new policy on Tuesday which will permit an on-the-day switch between Flat turf and all-weather tracks where the original racing surface is deemed unraceable and the fixture would otherwise need to be abandoned.

The policy will apply where a change of surface may be possible on the day of the fixture due to a deterioration in the ground conditions, when horses, participants and paying customers will have already arrived at or be travelling to the racecourse. It will only be relevant for racecourses that have both an all-weather and Flat turf surface–at present only Lingfield Park.

Where a surface switch has been approved, trainers will have the opportunity to withdraw their horses without incurring a penalty. Any horses that remain in the race will run as advertised in the racecard, with race weight and conditions remaining as originally published.

Tom Byrne, BHA head of racing and betting, said, “Following the abandonment of a Lingfield turf fixture in 2022, questions were raised by connections as to whether there could be a process in place to allow the affected races to simply transfer to the all-weather course for those still willing to race, especially with participants and racegoers having already travelled to the course.

“By introducing this new policy, we hope that if we are faced with a similar situation again, a switch of race surface on the day of the race would be permitted, allowing the fixture to continue, rather than being abandoned.

“We expect that any such instance will be very rare, with an on-the-day switch only be permitted in the most exceptional circumstances. However, if the need does arise, then we give ourselves the chance to try and fairly deliver races for participants who want to run, as well as offering racing for customers both on and off-course.”

The full policy is available to view here.

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