The Handicap Panel held a conference call this week to discuss some issues that have been raised with them regarding the new Handicap System. The decisions of the panel are:

1. Monies won is accumulative
Horses will still have to win a a race in each grade to advance, but prize money is accumulated

2. Once a race is framed and the race card published, handicap lifts cannot be applied to these races.
Therefore if a horse completes a 10th run and qualifies for a lift between publication of a race card and declaration for the race, the horse will race on the handicap it was framed on.
Connections of horses can decide to race as the horse is framed OR declare the horse a non-runner
(section G8 of the BHRC Rules and Regulations)

3. Horses completing their 10th run in a Heat will race in the final from the handicap mark applicable in the heat. The lift will be applied for the next fixture venue the horse is entered at.
(section G8 of the BHRC Rules and Regulations)

4. For the avoidance of doubt, the driver allowance of one grade can only be claimed on horses Grade 2 and above and the allowance of two grades can only be claimed on horses Grade 3 and above

The Handicap Panel are available to discuss any issues regarding the Handicap System.
Queries can also be emailed to bhrc.office@yahoo.co.uk