The Stalls Process

What happens when there are 31 runners as there were in last season's Cambridgeshire?

Any thoughts Whippin?

Do them in batches of 10/15

Of course, your response was the condescending kind

Each race meeting on the Flat in the UK requires a minimum of 11 fully trained and BHA accredited stalls handlers.
This number increases for fields containing 20 or more runners.

Irish races flat and jumps up to a year ago or so were routinely off late but now way better than UK equivalents even though the system of loading and getting the race started are exactly the same. It can be done, just need a rocket up them

'10/15 horses walk forward in unison towards the stalls at the same time'

Yeah, right.

If you want to know how it should be done watch Keenland racing this week.

Maybe Ireland,France and South Africa……

ITV keep telling us we have the best stalls handlers in the world or have I been taken in by that???

Everything in British racing is the best in the world according to the gravy train……

Cheltenham and Willie Mullins record silence them a bit tbh…

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LOADING PROCEDURE

1. I have a debutante that is displaying poor stalls behaviour at home, or I have concerns about
a horse standing for a long period of time on their first start. What options does the horse have?
Under the Starting Procedures Code, the trainer is responsible for ensuring their horse can
walk into the stalls with the aid of only two pushers, stand for a minimum of 2 minutes and be
comfortable with horses standing on either side while in the stalls. (Note: 5-year average load
time for all flat races is 1 minute 47 seconds)

It is recommended that trainers bring any horse
for a pre-assessment to allow the horse to gain valuable experience away from home in
preparation for their first race. At the pre-assessment, the starter can offer advice on loading
and recommend if the horse needs more preparation before raceday.

2. What does it mean if my horse receives a trainer Warning, is Reported or is Withdrawn?
A trainer Warning is given if a horse displays behaviour during the loading process that is
contrary to what is expected in the Starting Procedures Code. This could include reluctance to
load, becoming restless in the stalls, kicking, etc. This is the least severe penalty given to a
horse. Three trainer warnings in a 12-month period will result in the horse being required to
pass a stalls test prior to their next start.

Being Reported is when a horse displays a behaviour during the loading process that has not
been significant enough to necessitate a withdrawal but has affected the loading process or
the safety of horse a rider, thus requiring the horse to pass a stalls test prior to their next start.
Withdrawal is when a horse’s behaviour during the loading process affects the safety of horse
or rider to such an extent that it contravenes the loading process. A stalls test is required prior
to their next start.

3. My horse receives a trainer warning for a behaviour reason inside the stalls. Can I take a Late
Load Request (LLR) on their next start?
Yes, however, the warning will count against the horse. If the horse receives three warnings in
a 12-month period, the horse will be required to successfully complete a stalls test prior to its
next start.

4. My horse was withdrawn or reported for a behaviour issue inside the stalls. Can I take a Late
Load Request (LLR) on their next start?
Yes, if you believe that loading the horse out of sequence will benefit the horse on its next start,
you can request this. The LLR will not count against the horse for a period of 12 months from
the Starters’ Report.

5. A horse receives a trainer warning for reluctance to load or requiring a good push to load. Can
I take a Late Load Request on their next start?
No, LLRs are only for horses that exhibit poor behaviour inside the stalls.

6. My horse does not have a history of behavioural issues, but I’m concerned about its behaviour
if loaded first and having to wait in the stalls. Can I request a Late Load Request (LLR) for this
start?
No, the Starting Code is clear that a horse should be able to stand for a minimum of two
minutes in the stalls. If you have concerns about your horse’s behaviour, we recommend
bringing the horse for a pre-assessment.

You're not wrong Reg. Ben Curtis doing well again

*Rog. It's been a long day! They do seem to have a smoother loading process over there. I know the stalls are a different design to those used here so this probably has something to do with it

Important differences between countries. 1. The attitude to welfare. In many countries a horse gets a long tom whip across its backside f it does not walk straight in which does make a difference. 2. We do seem to have less handlers per horse in GB and smaller stalls both of which make them slower to load. After the farcical starts at Cheltenham and Aintree, you do wonder if they need stalls as well.

Sage. I think the long tom is used behind the hoof not on the rump. In any event it's very effective

and does no harm to the horse. Of course such a thing being used here would result in a howling and

outrage from the RSPCA and the animal welfare nutters who understand nothing about horses.

The US tracks are smart, when the long tom is about to be deployed they avoid the potential outcry

by switching cameras.

Ripon this evening you would be better off with Ken and barbie