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REVISED STALLS NUMBERING
- Numbering changed at courses classified as right-handed
- Palpable non-runner rule also now in effect
- Other starting initiatives introduced
As of Wednesday, 30th March 2011, starting stalls at racecourses that have been classified as right-handed tracks are now numbered in ascending order from right to left if you look through the stalls from behind. Previously, starting stalls at all tracks were numbered from left to right from behind the stalls.
The change in practice is now effective for all races, including those run on a straight course at these racecourses. The Clerk of the Course at each of these courses are continuing to adopt their current practices in where they position the starting stalls on the track for races run over a straight course. Key publications which make available draw statistics have been consulted and advised that they should amend their existing statistics so as they will maintain their accuracy.
Consultation has also taken place with the Racecourse Association, National Trainers Federation and Professional Jockeys Association, who have all expressed their support for this change in the numbering of the starting stalls.
The courses affected by this change are:
- Ascot
- Beverley
- Carlisle
- Folkestone
- Goodwood
- Hamilton
- Kempton
- Leicester
- Musselburgh
- Newmarket Rowley Mile and July Courses
- Ripon
- Salisbury
- Sandown
- Windsor
Also in effect since 30 March is a new Rule of Racing that gives power to the Raceday Stewards to declare a horse a non-runner after the race has been run. This provision only applies to Flat races and only in certain circumstances. Examples are when starting stalls do not open but false start isn’t called, or if a jockey is not on the horse when the stalls are released.
Consequently, bets on such horse(s) which have palpably lost all chance at the start will be fully refunded to punters and, where applicable, Rule 4 deductions would apply to all other bets.
As the Rules of Racing currently stand, all horses in the stalls are deemed runners as soon as the Starter starts a race, unless a) a false start is called or b) there is then a void race for whatever reason.
This new provision will not apply in cases where:
a) The gates open properly but the horse chooses to plant at the start, be fractious or refuse to race; or
b) The gates open a split second after the rest of the field – an existing protocol exists for such circumstances.
Other initiatives which have also come into effect fully from 30 March:
1. Loading Horses Riderless into Starting Stalls
2. Loading Certain Horses by Reversing into Stalls or with Front Gate Open
3. Leaving a Starting Stall Closest to Rail Vacant Where Possible
4. Permitting flexibility on Number of Stalls Handlers in Exceptional Raceday Circumstances
Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation, said:
“These initiatives can only be positive for British Racing. I appreciate there was concern over the renumbering but it makes sense to have all stalls numbered in the same manner and, with the help from key publications, we will have ensured that draw statistics will retain their accuracy and relevance.
“The palpable non-runner Rule is only fair and good news to punters and the other starting initiatives will hopefully ensure less stress at the start for horses and fewer withdrawals.”
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