Ahead of the winter period, when weather-related cancellations are unfortunately inevitable, the BHA has agreed with stakeholders several changes to the way additional behind schedule notice all-weather flat lights will be incorporated into the program. BHA Head of Racing and Betting Tom Byrne explains the updated process.
Provide greater security and clarity
Earlier this year we explained the general process behind planning additional events and races and why these are deemed necessary: primarily to ensure an appropriate number of events and to meet the needs of the horse population and participants.
The changes we are now introducing are intended to provide participants with greater certainty and clarity for customers as to why, when and how the BHA will decide to add an AW flat unit that was not originally included in the fixture list.
During the winter months we will always try to prioritize the addition of Jumps games, especially where others have been lost. But there is also often a need to program additional all-weather events, whether due to horse population or adverse weather conditions.
Where we believe there is a need for additional all-weather equipment, the decision-making process will now take into account:
Device volume
To ensure continuity of racing for customers, the intention is always to ensure at least the following:
- Sunday to Wednesday: At least one game per day
- Thursday to Saturday: At least one game in the afternoon.
On a Saturday, twilight/evening games may be brought forward, resulting in a total of two afternoon games during that session.
This means that previously the approach was to ensure racing for every session (i.e. both afternoon and evening slots), in the future where a floodlit game is already planned from Monday to Wednesday, no additional fastening is programmed.
If necessary, the original date can be moved to an earlier start to ensure there is enough content throughout the day. At the same time, it is also guaranteed that nine races will take place, either through a behind schedule announced additional race or by forcing a division if this is not the case. Otherwise it can't happen.
Geographic criteria
Where A flat lamp has already been abandoned and there is sufficient time to add an additional device to replace it and meet the minimum criteria, geographic preferences will be applied.
The additional game will be offered initially and scheduled in the same region. Otherwise, it will be assigned to the nearest region. The event is only offered nationwide if redistribution within the same or the nearest region is not possible.
Driver restrictions
Where an additional flat mount is added on a day when no Flat game was originally scheduledit is programmed as Driver restricted game. This means only jockeys who have ridden fewer than 30 winners in the last 12 months are eligible.
A list of eligible jockeys will be published online and updated quarterly to provide them with additional reassurance as to whether they will be expected to attend such a meeting each quarter.
This condition also applies to any all-weather events added during the restricted ridership week from Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2025.
Jumper bumpers
While the Flat Code Break in NovemberIf additional devices are required to meet the minimum criteria, these will be Jumpers Bumpers only – this period is reserved exclusively for Flat participants.
Diploma
It is hoped that this series of changes as a package will improve the provision of additional equipment on the all-weather device when required. The aim is to better balance the demands on participants with the financial requirements necessary to provide sufficient racing in times of cancellations.
Decisions based on weather and running reports are often uncertain in nature, but we work closely with participants, racetracks and other stakeholders to ensure we get them right as often as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
