First farcical late ‘non runner’ under new rule. Over 20 mins after result 2.50 newc

Race 1 - 2:50pm
THE MIDNITE: BUILT FOR 2025 NOT 2005 HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I)

Permission was given for RAMPANT to wear a red hood to the start.

An enquiry was held into the start of this race and the participation of FLYING SCOTSMAN (IRE), drawn 3, ridden by Andrew Mullen. The rider and the Starter were interviewed and shown recordings of the start. The Stewards considered that FLYING SCOTSMAN (IRE) was prevented from starting on equal terms due to the gelding having its head turned to the left over the stalls partition as the start was effected, preventing the gelding leaving the stalls on equal terms and losing many lengths. The Starter added that had he known that the gelding was in such a position, he would not have started the race. Therefore, the Stewards ordered that the gelding be declared a non-runner.

Some can of worms opened here

So now all slow starters can suddenly become a non runner....?

That would be bonkers - and BTW can I have my cash back from previous times mine stood in the starting stalls

Can we just add, how typical of stewards to actually get involved in this stuff, but do nothing about the other issues in race riding at place like Newcastle...

We should go back to the old " under starters Orders. The only exception if a stall doesn't open for mechanical reasons.

Will number's 7&8 in the 12.50 Hereford be declared non runners after the way they started the race seeing as they lost any chance they may have had

Exactly jacko - different rule when it comes to jumps for sure, many are often loitering around well behind at a start.

Why would they be non runners?
They were facing the right way and with the main group as the tape went up.

Your point is correct brandy its all down to interpretation i guess.

From Wednesday 1 October 2025, Stewards will be able to declare a horse a non-runner in a race started by any method other than starting stalls where they believe that horse has been denied a fair start through reasons outside of its control and seen its chances materially affected as a result.

If this is the new rule how did they declare a horse that used starting stalls as a non runner or am I missing something

Anything which discourages deliberate slow starts is welcome surely?  Have been sickened by the slow, inefficient, “ears got in the wayâ€� hood removal more than once.

I missing something

you need to read the bit relating to flat / stall starts

key point that is in the stewards report is what the starter said

The bottom line is the BHA could mess up a coin toss

it was bought in because people (punters) moan if they don't get a run for their money, they moan either way is the simple fact & when a long odds on shot does it they'll all be shouting about the R4

Ok, sry.
Why does the statement use the word “preventedâ€� as opposed to unable.  “Preventedâ€� implies/suggests deliberate action on behalf of someone, and clearly that someone would be the jockey.  So why has the jockey not been reprimanded for inefficiency ( at least ) and investigated with a view to establishing blame/responsibility?

This is a calamity in waiting

Horse slowly away, nearly refusing, catches up, finishes 2nd. Runner

Doesnt catch up, n/r

3 runners. Horse shies away from tape, left 50 lenghts, plods on, rivals all fall. Wins. Runner

Rivals dont fall, nr

the wording is linked to the rule, but in essence if the horse is acting up and loses the start of its own accord then they'd most likely call it a runner. however, if for eg it's the starters fault then they have the possible option to deem it a nr

in the case of stalls, you'd have the other scenario where maybe there's a split second delay on opening and the field get a start on it, again they'd have the option to go nr

if however it recovers to win, then it's not a nr so don't go laying the 1 sec delay on a gate until you know it didn't cross the line first

Agreed.  When something can go wrong it eventually will.

im pretty sure there was a guide on this give me 5

I will add that non-starters are about the only free money around nowadays

Flying Scotsman yesterday was one

Prevented a fair start from stalls, would be if the gates do not open or the horse has his head over the neighbouring stall.
Over the sticks, it would be if the horse is facing the wrong way or detached from the group when the tapes go up.

But it is a recipe for disaster

.
https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/bha-rule-change-declaring-non-runners-in-races-from-the-starting-stalls/
.

that's the press release, i can't see it now but there's a guide somewhere with actual examples of where it would or wouldn't be a nr, someone may find it sry

ok found it, this is from the previous release before they changed it in sept
.
https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/bha-confirms-rule-change-regarding-non-runners-at-the-start-of-jumps-races/
.

Maybe the “Broadcaster of the Year� will be able to explain it all to us via the next Opening Show.

what about the 4.30 today, won by Dingwall.

Taken down early, very slowly away and lost many lengths start, soon keen

Why is this one not a non runner - because it won...?

I think the answer of the stewards would be about as much as on here, for that question...

perhaps the answer is was on the thread

is / was

Which point specifically?

how many questions did you ask, specifically?

It's an example rather than just a question, but I suppose main question is why would this one not be a non-runner if they are now declaring those 'inconvenienced' at the stalls/start to be non runners. It did win, but it was also clearly inconvenienced.

Are we supposed to guess during inplay whether or not a horse will be declared non-runner? (another question)

no stu. it was posted on the thread along with the other links

Regarding flat races,I think once all the stalls open with no malfunctions
if a horse plants itself or is slowly away,that's just bad luck.
As for the jumps,some give lengths away when the tapes go up anyway.

i think there was another nr this week somewhere where it stood in the stalls or the hood never came off, the stewards are given the option but interview starter and jocks, will have a look

chelms 4.10 yday

they'd most likely call it a runner.

sounds like open to interpretation in that case....can of worms still.

if however it recovers to win, then it's not a nr

If that's the official rule for winners it helps a bit, but you don't know if it's won till race has ended..so we're back to inplay to guess on that?

Also doesn't help for close losers either...

enjoy your evening stu, the links are there if you want to read the stuff that was put out