Changes to the Rules of Horse Racing 2025

In the next few months, several changes will be made to the Rules of Horse Racing as dictated by the authority of British Horseracing. The changes are a direct result of extensive discussion with key stakeholder groups, including the National Trainers Federation and the Professional Jockeys’ Association. The changes will tackle race planning, veterinary policies, and some amends to existing competition regulations.

The Black Type Elimination Sequence has been revised to modify how elimination ratings are calculated in Class 1 Flat and Jump races. Sex allowances for fillies and mares will now be added to the base handicap rating, while any applicable penalties will be deducted. These updates will take effect at the start of the 2025 Flat turf season on Saturday, 29 March, and the 2025/26 Jump season on Sunday, 27 April.

A new definition of a two-year-old novice has been introduced to encourage more participation in handicap races later in the Flat season. Beginning on 29 March 2025, a horse will be considered a two-year-old novice if it has not completed more than two races, has not won a race under the Rules of Horse Racing of a recognized racing authority, or is racing before 1 July of the season. Horses that have completed three or more races and have won at least once will no longer be classified as two-year-old novices after 1 July.

Horseracing Ireland (HRI) has introduced ‘Academy Hurdle Races’ for the 2025/26 Jump season, similar to Britain’s National Hunt Junior Hurdles. In response, winners of these races in Ireland will be eligible to compete in British novice hurdles the following season. However, Britain will not apply the maiden status that HRI grants to its winners. This update will take effect at the start of the 2025/26 Jump season on Sunday, 27 April.

In the case of a walkover, the remaining horse will no longer be required to be ridden across the finish line to be declared the winner. This change simplifies the process when only one horse remains in a race.

An update to the Running Requirements Code has extended the restriction on intra-articular injections. From Saturday, 12 April 2025, no intra-articular injections of any substance, not just corticosteroids, will be permitted on race day or within the 14 clear days before a race. This revision has been supported by the NTF’s Equine Welfare Panel and the BHA’s veterinary team.

The BHA is currently reviewing shoeing competition regulations and consulting trainers regarding the use of studs. While updates are pending, trainers are reminded that shoes with significant protrusions that could pose a safety concern, such as trailered heels, are not permitted in races. Further guidance will be issued once the review is complete.

There are fresh new rules of horse racing that concern the use of bisphosphonates and clenbuterol. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) recently announced that bisphosphonates (BPs) will be fully banned beginning 1 January 2027, as an outcome of actions with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). This is just in line with the continuous efforts of modification to improve the Rules of Horse Racing and equine welfare. Then until the complete ban comes into effect, the existing guidelines are still there. Bisphosphonates cannot be administered to any horse younger than four years old, while horses older than four cannot receive the drug within 30 clear days of a race. The BHA will be issuing further guidance in due course as the deadline approaches to ensure compliance with the rules of horse racing governing the industry.

Moreover, on 1 April 2025, the Rules of Horse Racing will be changed to align with the competition regulations concerning clenbuterol. This beta-2 agonist used as a bronchodilator will now be classified under Category A Substance. According to the new Rules of Horse Racing, the use of clenbuterol will apply throughout and only as prescribed by a veterinarian. Any such treatment would be restricted to a maximum of two treatments in any six months. The BHA warns against using it because of the risks involved with cross-contamination and long withdrawal times under the Rules of Horse Racing. Paragraph 1.3 of the Prohibited List Code will be amended accordingly.

These regulatory updates highlight the importance of structured race planning in compliance with evolving welfare policies. Changes in medication protocols should be factored in by trainers and owners when making decisions about race planning. In its best practices for safety and fairness in the sport, the BHA continues to improve its race planning.

To ensure fairness in competition and equine welfare, these updates clarify competition regulations. The changes to the rules of the horse racing training manual will provoke a discussion among trainers, jockeys, the Safety Department, and other BHA staff to address these.