Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Qualification Explained.

BHA Explains Foxhunters Balloting Process

24FridayFeb 2012


Andrew Norman & Gareth Topham http://hunterchases.com/

Phil Smith - Clear Explanation

We have recently received a steady flow of contact from trainers and racing enthusiasts regarding the balloting process for the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.

This afternoon we got the lowdown on the exact ruling from the BHA Head of Handicapping, Phil Smith:

“The balloting rules are exactly the same as the last few years with one minor change. Horses are eliminated on their current Rules rating. The only difference is that I now the option of using TWO wildcard spots.�

“The safety limit is 24 so the 22 entrants with the highest official rating get in automatically. I may just choose the top 24 but I have the option of selecting either one or two wildcards on the strength of their performances in the Point-to-Point field.�

“Last year’s wildcard was a mare called Mid Div And Creep who finished second. It worked on that occasion but it may not every year! Cappa Bleu (who won the race in 2009) was also a wildcard so it’s worked quite well so far.�

This balloting process only applies to horses who have made an entry and intend to run. Entries for the Christie’s close on February 28.


Since December 1st 2009 and before February 28th 2012 in Great Britain or Ireland have:

a) Been placed first or second on two occasions in a Hunter Chase,
b) Won two open races at Point-To-Point meetings
or
c) Won one open race at a Point-To-Point meeting and have been placed first or second in a Hunter Chase

✔ = Qualified
½ = Must win an open race or be placed first or second in a Hunter Chase to qualify
× = Has not won an open race or been placed first or second in a Hunter Chase since December 1st 2009

As at 23/02/2012:

Name                     OR         Qualified?


*According To John       125          ✔

Amicelli                 104          ✔

Barbers Shop             147          ½

Blackstaff               126          ✔

Boxer Georg              106          ✔

*Bradley                 123          ✔

Cedrus Libani            130          ✔

*Chapoturgeon            140          ✔

*Cloudy Lane             135          ✔

Cork All Star            126          ✔

*Description             116          ✔

Double Mead              121          ✔

Earth Dream              120          ✔

Eleazar                  131          ✔

Enter Paradise           TBC          ✔

Footy Facts              131          ✔

For The Staff            105          ✔

Herons Well              130          ✔

Just Smudge              118           Â½

Keenan’s Future          122          ✔

Leac An Scail            110          ✔

Lorikarad                TBC          ✔

Master Medic             150           Â½

Merchant Royal           TBC          ✔

*Monkerty Tunkerty       TBC          ✔

*My Flora                121          ✔

Oca De Thaix             116          ✔

Offshore Account         119          ✔

On The Fringe            123          ✔

Oscar Delta              TBC          ✔

Palypso De Creek         122           Â½

Rathcor                  TBC          ✔

Rosies Peacock           125          ✔

Roulez Cool              142          ✔

Rowdy Rampage            119          ✔

*Salsify                 128          ✔

Sericina                 128          ✔

Southwestern             130          ✔

Special Portrait         109          ✔

*Surenaga                122          ✔

Templer                  129          ✔

Theatre Diva             122          ✔

The Polomoche            129          ✔

Turko                    125          ✔

Turthen                  132          ✔

Unowatimeen              122          ✔

Viking Splash            121          ✔

A Guide To The Christie’s Foxhunter Chase

Horses in bold have not qualified yet

Horses with a * before their name indicate qualified horses where the trainer has confirmed they intend to run at Cheltenham

Note: Not all qualified horses are listed.
If there are any horses that are likely to enter that you think should be added to the list please email hunterchases@yahoo.com