BHA shelves controversial proposal to impose limits on handicap trainers, but will continue to monitor the issue

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) had raised concerns about the potential for a small number of trainers to stifle competition in major handicaps, especially the Randox Grand National at Aintree, which had reduced its maximum field to 34 runners from 40 this season.

In response to this, the BHA proposed a change to the rules of racing, suggesting that a trainer be limited to declaring a maximum of four runners in any individual handicap at Class 1 or Class 2 level. This proposal was prompted by a situation where one trainer saddled 14 of the 20 runners in the Troytown Chase in Ireland. The BHA sought industry opinions on potentially imposing a limit on the number of runners one trainer can enter in a major handicap, considering the impact on the sport’s ongoing appeal to customers.

After gathering feedback and consulting with the sport’s commercial committee and BHA board, the BHA decided not to take immediate action on this matter. They acknowledged, however, that it would remain under review.

If the BHA had decided to proceed with its proposals, it would have needed to act quickly for them to come into force in time for the Grand National, for which entries close on February 6. Grand National-winning trainer Richard Newland had supported the BHA’s idea and expressed disappointment over its shelving. He highlighted the dominance of Irish National Hunt racing as an underlying problem that the BHA needs to address.

Despite the BHA’s decision to put the proposal on hold, Newland voiced concern about waiting until there is a significant number of horses from a single trainer in the Grand National before addressing the issue.