NH field size limits.

Isn't the maximum field size at Dundalk limited to 15? 

Is that hurdles or chases?

all-weather (nap)

Extra races = more media money for racecourse loper.

The farce at Ayr yesterday was ridiculous. Loads of room on this course, and the max. field size
for the handicap hurdle was 20. This was then split (by who ?, the course ?, the BHA ?) into
two 9-runner fields..why ? We then finish up with 2 6-runner races. Talk about shooting yourself
in the foot ! The thing is, this splitting into 2 divisions when the field is below the max. limit
is happening more and more. Is it for Levy reasons ? and who decides...?

The max field size must have been 17 or less in order to split into 2 nine runner races.

There may be some unofficial laxity loper; I have noted Worcs hurdles , max 18, divided into 2 x 9.

Rules is rules, Pompous.

Surely they cant ignore them?

Loper, I can assure you that the max. field limit for the Ayr race was 20.
That's why I queried the division.

Loper, just to emphasise the point, Newmarket tomorrow, first race. The max. field size was
declared at 20. Now 2 divisions of 10 and 9. Such a tiny course as well !

It is done in the belief that the more races there are the more money people will bet.
And also an attempt to keep people in betting shops and racecourses for as big a part of the day as possible.
The explanation really is that simple.

Totally agree, BB, am under no illusions. Only a short while ago the BHA were saying that
they didn'nt want 8-race cards, but we know that the real premise is the great God of bookmaker turnover/profit.
So transparent that everything is done to manipulate this end. Am still curious whether these decisions are
made by the course, or by a directive from the BHA.

They don't want 16 runner handicaps that's for sure.

Plenty of uninformed bunkum on here.  Races divide at 18 no matter what the Safety Factor is, which is different to a Field Size Limit.  It is because some trainers couldn't get their heads around some races splitting at 16, 18, 20, 22 or whatever the sf was.

Stoopid innit?

Er, what's the point of a safety factor of 18 or higher then?

Do they run two divisions of ,eg, The Cambridgeshire ?

No Paris Pike...the Cambridgeshire isn't eligible to divide

Irony not appreciated by The Headmaster so it seems.

Before you ask, neither is the Grand National.

Geddit?

Maybe you'd like to 'ironically' scribble down everything you know about this subject for us PP.

It shouldn't take long

Well named is our Headmaster.

The snide remarks aren't covering up the fact you are totally out of your depth Paris Pike. Always happy to be proved wrong if you have anything at all to offer on this thread?

Are you from 'the North', by the way?

No, but I do have manners HM. Unlike yourself.

Ok PP many thanks for your hugely valuable contributions.  Come back soon.

I am not disputing the facts of what you say regarding the number of runners that allow the division of races.
Nonetheless, I can't honestly believe that trainers can't understand different tracks having different safety limits and stand by my opinion of the motivation behind it.

Who is the "The Headmaster" because he certainly is not teaching at Eton...

And what must be a former under age pupil has come to light...

Inlander who is a prolific poster...

To answer your question, "The Headmaster" is someone who tries not to open his fat trap unless he knows what he's talking about, "homefortea".  We're in short supply around here, you should welcome it you cretin.  "Inlander" is the nom de plume of our Matron.  I have reprimanded her for logging into Betfair using school equipment.  I am the only one allowed to do that.

Barton Bank - you frequently suggest that because you can't believe something it can't be true.  Pretty arrogant old chap, if I may say.  Your 'really is that simple' conclusion is wrong.  I know you don't like being told your wrong though so I'm not holding out much hope.  Think what you like.

Perhaps the Headmaster and Inlander would care to explain why it is necessary to have two nom de plumes? Schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder or just mischievous?

Apologies for my "arrogance". Yes, I will continue to believe that the sport is very poorly run and the BHA is effectively powerless to organise its own fixture list and has become a puppet of the bookmakers until such point I see the organisation acting in a way that suggests otherwise.

If you can't read Paris Pike we can't help that.  all explained in the post immediately above yours ffs.

Barton Bank, the evidence is there but you obviously aren't keeping your finger on the pulse as mush as you like to think.  Heard of pinch points?  Race restrictions?  Do tell...

What about the bust up that's going on at the moment too, BB.  Levy deal ring any bells with you?  Blimey.....

Have you considered switching from raceplanning to PR, headmaster ?

It has crossed my mind....can't do any worse, eh?

Can I also ask why so many staying handicap chases seem to be over 3 miles and not further? We're crying out for more races over 3m2, 3m4 imo.

Name the horse and I'll have a look

fyi ink not dry on PB1 but you need to be VERY quick

Just doing a search 0-90 to 0-120 handicap chases.

0-90 and 0-95 discontinued a couple of years ago.  Remember that a lot of these trips have shortened so some 3m 2fs will now be 3m 1f or 3m 1/2f etc.  Same race in essence though.

Any particular area/tracks you're looking at?

Any galloping track. 3m on good or good to soft wouldn't be enough of a test.

Does it jump well? Prominent racer or held up?

Remind me what area of the country we're looking at, Ocean.

Maybe peace has broken out on this thread and we'll all get into a cosy race-planning huddle instead!

Or do you literally mean 'any' galloping track?!

Literally countrywide. Good jumper but needs extreme test. How about an Eider for lesser horses?!

I don't see the point in continuing the discussion about the fixture list tbh. We are not going to agree and there seems to be virtually no common ground. Placing this horse might be more interesting.

Lincolnshire National?

Newcastle usually has some lowish grade races over 3m or so. Not an extreme distance but takes some getting in winter in the mud and the fences take a bit of jumping.
The 4m race at Hexham (Northumberland National?) in Cheltenham week is open to horses that are not rated that high, I think.

Nov 18th is Hexham, 0-120 so in the mix.

Yeah Newcastle and Carlisle usually offer opportunities . And that Hexham on the 18th is bang in the mix. Thanks.

04/12 Exeter, 3m 6f, Marathon 0-125 - you might sneak in the weights?

Although I visited Sedgefield once and it was so tight I fear Hexham is the same? I suppose the extreme trip cancels that out a bit.

Hexham is much much stiffer than Sedgefield.

Excellent. Thank you, Barton. GL all.

You know whats in PB4 already.  PB1 might be more interesting (subject to blah blah...):

15/01 Sedge 3m 2f 59yds 0-110
12/02 Bang 3m 5f 142yds 0-120
22/02 Ling 3m 4f 0-125 (Nap)
26/02 Exeter 3m 6f 153yds 0-135 (realise we're flying high there)
29/02 Ayr 3m 2f 197yds 0-120
02/03 Bang 3m 5f 142yds 0-110
06/03 Hunt 3m 6f 162yds 0-125
13/03 War 3m 5f 0-125
21/03 Taunt 3m 6f 0-125
23/03 War 3m 5f 0-105
26/03 Car 3m 2f 34yds 0-105

There are also Interactive slots on 19/11 at Wincanton and 25/11 at Wetherby - and nobody has suggested anything yet.  The Wincanton window is due to shut on Thursday!  Care to make a suggestion????

Thanks, headmaster. I'll have a word with my trainer.

I can stick it on there for you if easier, need a horse and a trainer.  DM me on here if you like.