Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The BHA Podcast

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In the latest episode of the BHA Podcast, we are joined by four BHA Handicappers to dissect the thrilling action from British Champions Day as well as the Flat season as a whole.

In a jam-packed episode, we cover Ombudsman's new rating and whether he's the best middle distance horse in Europe, what the Handicapper said to William Haggas when asked if Maltese Cross should go for the St Leger or Arc, and the rise of leading sprinter Almeraq.

To finish the episode, each Handicapper picks out a horse that has surprised them this season, as well as one to keep an eye on next year.

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In the latest episode of The BHA Podcast, we take a trip to Wales for the opening fixture of the season at Chepstow and the Welsh Horse Racing Awards.

The awards and the racing came at a vital time for Welsh racing, with the BHA in the process of producing an economic impact assessment to set out, for the first time, the contribution to the Welsh economy made by racing in Wales.

In this episode, we hear from some of the leading figures in Welsh racing to understand what makes it so special and what is being done to ensure decision makers in Cardiff understand the many positives derived from the sport.

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With nominations open for the 2027 Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, we visited the Dubai Future Champions Festival on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile for a special edition of The BHA Podcast.

Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson emphasises the vital importance of recognising the hard work, passion and dedication of the people working and volunteering at the heart of our sport – and chooses his stand-out moment from over two-decades of celebrations.

We caught up with 2026 Employee of the Year Kieran Kourdache, who reflects his success at February’s ceremony and an incredibly busy year for everyone at Karl Burke Racing.

He also tells us which world-famous judge he will be looking to emulate as he joins our esteemed judging panel.

Also joining the podcast are head judge Nick Luck and his fellow judges Anna Kerr and Eileen Harte, who are all gearing up for another fiendishly difficult task this year.

We get an insight into what exactly our judging panel is looking for in a nomination, and they urge breeders and training yards to nominate their stars – and potentially win a share of the £128,500 prize.

Nominations are open now for the 2027 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.

To nominate, go to: https://www.thoroughbredawards.co.uk

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Musical Times extended her unbeaten record under jockey William Buick for trainer Charlie Appleby in the Group 1 bet365 Fillies' Mile on Friday.

The following day, Ryan Moore rode Darkness Falls to victory in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes, seeing off the challenge of Desert Castle and Buick.

BHA Handicapper and two-year-old specialist Graeme Smith sat down with Tommy Churchyard to share his thoughts and updated figures after the weekend's action in Newmarket.

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In this episode of The BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot is joined by the BHA's Director of Racing, Richard Wayman, to discuss the 2027 fixture list and today's prize money funding announcement. Richard discusses the sport's growth strategy and the future of the fixture list - and shares his Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe selection.

We also hear from trainer Charlie Fellowes on the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin and why you should nominate your star for the 2027 awards.

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Nabati took the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday for William Buick, Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.

In the latest episode of The Handicapper, BHA’s two-year-old specialist Graeme Smith discusses the Mill Reef ratings and also looks ahead to a pulsating edition of the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket Racecouese on Saturday.

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Highwayman powered to an unforgettable victory for trainer Joseph O'Brien in the 250th renewal of the Betfred St Leger on Saturday. In turn Saffie Osborne created history, becoming the first female jockey to win a British Classic at Doncaster Racecourse. Is the Melbourne Cup now a possibility?

Tommy Churchyard sat down with BHA Handicapper Adam Barnes for his assessment of the momentous race.

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Almeraq stormed to victory in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock Park on Saturday. 

The four-year-old handed jockey Tom Marquand and trainer William Haggas an impressive win to add to his Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes success at Ascot back in June. 

Tommy Churchyard sat down with BHA Handicapper Stewart Copeland to get his assessment of Saturday's race and how the performance ranks against previous winners.

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Tommy Churchyard sat down with BHA Handicapper Mark Olley for his thoughts and updated ratings following a memorable Ebor Festival at York Racecourse. 

Kalpana and Colin Keane landed the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks in dramatic style on day two, handing trainer Andrew Balding and Juddmonte the second of their two Group 1 wins at York Racecourse. The Park House Stables team would end the week with six winners in total.

Meanwhile Maltese Cross and Tom Marquand produced Mark's 'performance of the week' when winning the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes for trainer William Haggas and owner George Waud. He became the highest rated winner of the race this century.

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Item won the Juddmonte International on the opening day of the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse, beating Almaqam by a head under jockey Colin Keane for the Andrew Balding team. Constitution River and Ombudsman finished third and fourth respectively.

Tommy Churchyard sat down with Dominic Gardiner-Hill, the BHA's Head of Handicapping, to get his initial reaction to the thrilling race. 

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Goodwood was glorious!

We take a look back at a sensational week at the Qatar Goodwood Festival with the BHA's Head of Handicapping, Dominic Gardiner-Hill, who shares his revised ratings for the leading horses.

He reflects on Bow Echo and Billy Loughnane's upward trajectory following a thrilling Sussex Stakes and Diamond Necklace's imperious 'career best' showing in the Nassau Stakes.

Plus how do you go about rating a race as eventful as the Goodwood Cup, which promised a real duel on the downs but ended with Trawlerman impeded and Scandinavia powering to victory?

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You can find all published handicap ratings for horses running in Britain on the BHA website, each week on Tuesday morning: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database

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Bow Echo stretched his unbeaten run to six with another sensational victory, this time in the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes under jockey Billy Loughnane for trainer George Boughey.

The BHA's Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill shared his immediate thoughts on Wednesday's showpiece race at Glorious Goodwood, won in thrilling style to land the £1.5 million prize and the most valuable mile race ever run in Europe.

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Kalpana landed a thrilling victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday. The five-year-old mare saw off the challenge of Calandagan, Benvenuto Cellini Masquerade Ball and Lambourn under jockey Colin Keane for trainer Andrew Balding and Juddmonte.

BHA Handicapper Mark Olley sat down with James Giblett to assess the 1m 3f race and share his revised mark for the Kingsclere-based horse.

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Join host Nick Lightfoot as he sits down with Simon Cox for the first time on the BHA Podcast, following last week’s announcement that Simon will be the new Chair of the BHA. Simon talks about his passion for racing, his previous career experience and how nothing could ever keep him away from the Cheltenham Festival.

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Simon Cox appointed new BHA Chair (22 July 2026)

Simon Cox has been appointed as the new independent non-executive Chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He will assume his position on 1 October 2026.

A passionate owner-breeder and accomplished business leader, Cox has a deep understanding of the British racing and breeding industry, combined with extensive board-level experience and large-scale commercial expertise.

Cox has been a member of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) board of trustees since November 2021 and chairs the BHA’s Jump Pattern Committee, which makes recommendations to the BHA Board on how to continually strengthen the Jump Pattern and Listed programme.

A former Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) board member, Cox is a member of the industry’s High Quality Horse group, which is contributing to wider work to grow the number of horses – and particularly top-class horses – being bred, owned, trained and raced in Britain.

An owner of racehorses for more than 15 years with four horses currently in training, Cox has established himself as a thoroughbred breeder, with 10 broodmares stationed at Shade Oak Stud – also home to St Leger winner-turned-stallion Logician, in whom he owns shares.

Read the full release: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/simon-cox-appointed-new-bha-chair/

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The BHA’s Cathy O’Meara, Robbie Supple and Shaun Parker join host Nick Lightfoot to discuss the announcement of recommendations designed to improve the starts at Cheltenham and across wider Jump racing. 

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Fewer false starts and clearer starting processes are the aims of recommendations from the review of starts at the Cheltenham Festival

Fewer false starts and clearer starting processes among the objectives of recommendations from the review of starts at the Cheltenham Festival. The follow detailed consultation with jockeys, trainers, broadcasters, officials and bettors. Course configuration, starting procedure changes and enhanced regulation are amongst the five recommendations. They include Cheltenham-specific layout changes alongside others which apply to Jump racing as a whole:

1. Optimise as far as possible the track layouts at Cheltenham’s two most problematic starting points (2 mile and 2 1/2 mile) to reduce natural field congestion and acceleration.

2. Change current wording within the rules as to the maximum pace at which a horse can approach the tapes from a "walk or jig-jog" to “walking pace” to apply to all Jump races.

3. To improve clarity for all involved, explore the concept of a physical, highly visible "start zone" at starts across all racecourses.

4. To increase the deterrent to rule breaches, consider the implementation of a tiered penalty increase specifically targeting Class 1 and Class 2 races across all courses.

5. Explore introduction of a live audio recording system to capture communications and instructions given by starters to jockeys, with a direct feed to the stewards' room.

Prior to any implementation all of these recommendations will now be scoped out in more detail. This includes further discussion with participants, assessment of racecourses where there are proposals for physical changes, and consideration of trial periods.

Read the full details at https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/fewer-false-starts-and-clearer-starting-processes-are-the-aims-of-recommendations-from-the-review-of-starts-at-the-cheltenham-festival/

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The LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings have been updated today, with Ombudsman and Ka Ying Rising sharing top billing on a rating on 131.

BHA's Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill plays a leading role in compiling the global rankings and sat down with us to explain the thinking behind the ratings.

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In a special episode of The BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot is joined by the BHA's Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Greg Swift, to reflect on the Gambling Commission's announcement that it will implement financial risk assessments on punters.

It features contributions by Dan Carden MP, Sally Jameson MP, Charlotte Cane MP, Louie French MP, Esther McVey MP and Helen Maguire MP, all speaking at yesterday's future of horseracing debate at Westminster Hall (on Tuesday 7 July).

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BHA statement regarding Gambling Commission announcement on financial risk assessments

Speaking in regards to the Gambling Commission’s announcement that it intends to implement affordability checks on bettors in the United Kingdom, Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), issued the following statement (Tuesday 7 July):

“We are hugely disappointed that the Gambling Commission will implement affordability checks which will have severe financial implications for British racing and the UK economy and subject racing bettors to unwarranted levels of intrusion.

Over a number of years, and through several consultations, British racing has engaged in a spirit of huge goodwill to honestly advise the Government about the potential impact this policy would have on our sport and its fanbase.

These concerns were shared by the betting industry, politicians, campaigners and policy makers, who warned of devastating unintended consequences on two major industries that are worth billions of pounds to the UK economy and employ more than 200,000 people across Britain.

We understand these checks have been proven by the Gambling Commission’s own pilot to not be ‘fully frictionless’ as originally promised by successive Government ministers.

Rather than protecting consumers, these checks will have the opposite effect: driving more customers to the illegal market – which puts them at much greater risk of gambling-related harm – and starving the Treasury of much needed tax revenue.

Objective evidence from across the globe makes clear that this decision is one of self-harm on an immense scale that will have damaging economic and societal implications.

For this decision to be taken unilaterally by the Gambling Commission shows a clear abdication of duty by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which has failed to grip this process or properly consider the damaging consequences of the decision.

Read the statement issued by BHA CEO Brant Dunshea here: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/bha-statement-regarding-gambling-commission-annoucement-on-financial-risk-assessments

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Constitution River handed Aidan O’Brien a tenth Coral Eclipse, winning by three lengths under Ryan Moore at Sandown Park at the weekend.

Here host Tommy Churchyard sat down with the BHA's Head of Handicapping, Dominic Gardiner-Hill, to assess his performance and look ahead to a potentially mouth watering contest in the Juddmonte International in York next month.

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You can find all published handicap ratings for horses running in Britain on the BHA website, each week on Tuesday morning: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database/

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Align The Stars stayed on strongly to take the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate under Daniel Muscutt for trainer Charlie Johnston and owner Tony Farmer on Saturday.

Tommy Churchyard sat down with BHA Handicapper Adam Barnes for his assessment of the five-year-old gelding's performance at Newcastle Racecourse. 

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We're back after a remarkable Royal Ascot, full of great performances and no little drama.

Host Nick Lightfoot looks back on it all with BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea and Head of Stewarding Shaun Parker, as well as finding out how the BHA has responded to the extraordinary heatwave in Britain.

Michelle Douglas also joins the show to discuss the upcoming 2026 British Horseracing Development Programme.

Find out more about the Programme and this year's participants here: https://viewer.joomag.com/british-horseracing-development-programme-2026/0381624001780411926/p18?short=

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The British Horseracing Development Programme starts at the beginning of July with a free two-week residential induction course in Newmarket, a market town in the county of Suffolk, often referred to as the Home of British Horseracing. The course is packed with lectures, tours and visits.

There are usually placements in Marketing, Digital, Journalism and Sales, to name a few. Placements are subject to change and when you apply, you will be asked to submit your preferred area of interest and your career aspirations.

Approximately 16 to 20 places are available each year, in a variety of organisations, in locations across the UK. The programme provides an invaluable source of talent to the industry. Many of the programme’s alumni have established careers in a wide range of roles; management positions at racecourses, broadcasters, the trade press, bloodstock sales and also at the British Horseracing Authority.

Find out more: https://careersinracing.com/course/british-horseracing-development-programme/

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Ombudsman won the Prince of Wales's Stakes for a second successive year after delivering a memorable performance on the second day of Royal Ascot. 

Having had a few days to reflect, we sat down with the BHA's Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill to assess his impressive victory and confirm his new mark following 'the best performance we've seen in the world in 2026.'

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Scandinavia battled past Trawlerman for a thrilling victory in the 2026 Gold Cup on the third day of Royal Ascot, handing trainer Aidan O'Brien his 100th success at the meeting.

Tommy Churchyard caught up with BHA Handicapper shortly after the race to get his early thoughts on the contest. 

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Could that be his best performance yet? Ombudsman made it back-to-back victories in the Prince of Wales Stakes in impressive fashion under William Buick on the second day of Royal Ascot.

We caught up with BHA Handicapper Dominic Gardiner-Hill to get his immediate reflections on the race, plus an assessment of Bow Echo's success in the St James's Palace Stakes on the opening day. 

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Christmas Day cruised to victory under Ronan Whelan in the 247th running of the Betfred Derby on Saturday, handing trainer Aidan O’Brien his 12th success in the British Classic.

Bay City Roller and jockey Oisin Murphy landed the Coronation Cup for trainer George Scott earlier in the day while on Friday, Thundering On secured victory in the Betfred Oaks, partnered by Dylan Browne McMonagle for Joseph O'Brien.

Host Tommy Churchyard was joined by BHA Handicapper Mark Olley to discuss all the action from the two days Epsom Racecourse. 

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Mission statement for BHA handicapping

Fair

Every horse will be treated fairly and with the highest level of integrity at all times, strictly on the merit of its form and using good handicapping practice.

Transparent

BHA Handicapping will be accessible and understandable for all customers. BHA methodology will be published, demystified and actively communicated.

Accountable

BHA Handicappers will be available to participants to provide logical and reasonable explanations for their decisions via the appropriate channels at the appropriate time.

Consistent

Using robust data analysis, the BHA Handicapping department will monitor and publish its work to ensure a consistent and equitable approach for all customer groups.

Progressive

The BHA Handicapping department will conduct research and analysis to ensure its policies are optimal in achieving a fair outcome for horses racing in British handicaps.

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With the debate continuing following the decision by the Stewards at Epsom to declare favourite Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner following the Betfred Derby, BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea joins host Nick Lightfoot to explain what happened at the start of the world's most famous flat race.

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Needless to say, the incident involving the declaration of Benvenuto Cellini as a non-runner in this year’s Derby has caused significant debate.

The strength of feeling is understandable given the magnitude of the race.

The purpose of this blog is to set out the background and rationale regarding the introduction of this rule, and to address some of the comments and concerns that have been raised.

From 1 May 2024 we introduced an amendment of Rule (H)6 in order to allow the BHA Stewards to declare a non-runner in any race beginning from starting stalls if they believe that a horse has been denied a fair start.

The change aligned Britain with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) model rule and the approach applied by most other major racing nations. Its introduction followed engagement with and feedback from industry stakeholders, including participants and the betting industry.

The rationale behind the rule is that it is unfair to the betting public to lose their money on a horse who is prevented from starting on equal terms.

Read the full blog: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/non-runners-at-the-start/

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Thundering On produced an impressive display to take the Betfred Oaks for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle and trainer Joseph O'Brien.

BHA Handicapper Mark Olley spoke to James Giblett moments after the race for his immediate assessment of the race and took a look ahead to tomorrow's Coronation Cup and Betfred Derby 2026.

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Ombudsman stormed to victory under jockey William Buick to land the Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes on a glorious evening at Sandown Park last Thursday.

Host Tommy Churchill sat down with the BHA's Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill to reflect on the contest and assess his prospects at Royal Ascot in a couple of weeks.

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You can find all published handicap ratings for horses running in Britain on the BHA website, updated each week on Tuesday morning: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database

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Mission statement for BHA handicapping

Fair

Every horse will be treated fairly and with the highest level of integrity at all times, strictly on the merit of its form and using good handicapping practice.

Transparent

BHA Handicapping will be accessible and understandable for all customers. BHA methodology will be published, demystified and actively communicated.

Accountable

BHA Handicappers will be available to participants to provide logical and reasonable explanations for their decisions via the appropriate channels at the appropriate time.

Consistent

Using robust data analysis, the BHA Handicapping department will monitor and publish its work to ensure a consistent and equitable approach for all customer groups.

Progressive

The BHA Handicapping department will conduct research and analysis to ensure its policies are optimal in achieving a fair outcome for horses racing in British handicaps.

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Night Raider produced a late finish to take the William Hill Temple Stakes on Saturday afternoon, completing a double for jockey Clifford Lee and trainer Karl Burke at Haydock Park.

BHA handicapper Chris Nash joined us to discuss the race and rates Night Raider's prospects for Royal Ascot in a few weeks time. 

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Mission statement for BHA handicapping

Fair

Every horse will be treated fairly and with the highest level of integrity at all times, strictly on the merit of its form and using good handicapping practice.

Transparent

BHA Handicapping will be accessible and understandable for all customers. BHA methodology will be published, demystified and actively communicated.

Accountable

BHA Handicappers will be available to participants to provide logical and reasonable explanations for their decisions via the appropriate channels at the appropriate time.

Consistent

Using robust data analysis, the BHA Handicapping department will monitor and publish its work to ensure a consistent and equitable approach for all customer groups.

Progressive

The BHA Handicapping department will conduct research and analysis to ensure its policies are optimal in achieving a fair outcome for horses racing in British handicaps.

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In a bumper episode of The BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot is joined by BHA handicappers Martin Greenwood and Michael Harris to reflect on the publication of the Anglo-Irish Jumps Classification and look back on a memorable season.

Director of Integrity John Burgess and Media Manager Mark Scully also stop by to discuss online abuse of racing participants, consider the scale of the problem and ask what can be done?

Finally, the BHA's top vet James Given gives the latest on the spread of equine flu and the steps being taken to protect the sport.

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Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior heads 2025/26 Anglo-Irish Jumps Classification

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior has finished top of the end-of-season Anglo Irish Jumps Classification for 2025/26 with a rating of 180.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old lined up in the Gold Cup for the first time this year and produced a blistering performance to defeat Jango Baie (168) by eight lengths under Paul Townend.

He followed that up with an even more comprehensive victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup, getting the better of Fact To File (173) – who had previously beaten Gaelic Warrior in February’s Irish Gold Cup – by 26 lengths.

His other efforts last season saw him involved in two narrow finishes, landing the John Durkan by a neck first-time-out and then finishing third in a remarkable renewal of the King George VI Chase won by The Jukebox Man (168), with the first four home separated by just half a length.

Full info: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/gold-cup-winner-gaelic-warrior-heads-2025-26-anglo-irish-jumps-classification/

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RaceWISE: British racing’s anonymous reporting service

RaceWISE is a secure way for anyone with concerns about potential wrongdoing in the sport to report these to the BHA, without having to reveal their identity.

This may include possible integrity threats, both on and off the racecourse, the treatment and welfare of horses and humans, safeguarding and equality concerns, or anything else related to British racing that may not feel or look quite right and could damage the reputation of the sport.

Find out how to get in touch: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/racewise

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Equine flu update: Only horses from licensed training yards to be permitted raceday access

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed today that from Wednesday 20 May, only horses from licensed training yards will be permitted to enter racecourse property on raceday.

With a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population, this is a precautionary measure to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed.

This decision will result in the abandonment of all scheduled Hunter Chase races from 20 May, including the Hunter Chase evening at Stratford Racecourse on 29 May.

It also means the cancellation of other equine events due to take place on British racecourses, including Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) parades and activities such as petting farms and pony rides as part of family fun day entertainment.

Latest update: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/equine-flu-update-only-horses-from-licensed-training-yards-to-be-permitted-raceday-access/

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Notable Speech’s performance in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury was the joint-best since Frankel won the race in 2012, according to BHA Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardener-Hill.

Hear Dominic’s full reflections on Saturday’s race, plus his view on Notable Speech’s prospects for the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.

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To mark the start of Racing Together Community Week, we revisit Lucy Gurney's recent interview for The BHA Podcast.

Lucy has held roles at the Jockey Club Rooms and Weatherbys, and is currently Community Engagement Manager for Racing Together.

She spoke to host Nick Lightfoot about British racing’s nationwide week of employee volunteering and explained how you can get involved.

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What is Racing Together Community Week?

British racing’s nationwide week of employee volunteering on 18-24 May 2026.

Initiated to collectively inspire and showcase racing creating impact in their communities through volunteering

Volunteering activity ranges from skills sharing, to careers days, environmental clean-ups and more

This year it is also an opportunity to talk about British racing’s year-round community and social impact

The optional theme is ‘tackling loneliness’. It is designed to support those racing organisations that would like to align to an industry-wide theme.

It’s a nationwide initiative, supported via the website and social media, tag @racingtogether

Over 90 racing organisations signed up to give back to their local communities through volunteering 700+ hours in 2025. Watch a previous round up video below.

More information: https://www.racingtogether.co.uk/racing-together-community-week/

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BHA Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill joins Tommy Churchyard to dissect Bow Echo’s impressive 2000 Guineas success for George Boughey and Billy Loughnane at Newmarket on Saturday.

Dominic also touches on True Love’s win in the 1000 Guineas in the hands of Wayne Lordan.

Ratings are updated every Tuesday at https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database/

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The latest BHA Podcast finds host Nick Lightfoot at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile during the Betfred Guineas Festival.

As the crowds flock once more to enjoy world class racing at one of British sport’s iconic venues, the threat posed by affordability checks continues to loom large.

The BHA’s Director of Communications Greg Swift explains to Nick why this is such a pivotal week.

Later, Lucy Gurney stops by to explain how you can get involved in the 2026 Racing Together Community Week.

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Affordability checks – Save Our Bets

The sport has come together to make clear its opposition to what are more commonly known as affordability checks.

More than 400 people from racing and cross party MPs/Peers signed an open letter to Lisa Nandy MP, the Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, urging her to instruct the Gambling Commission to stop the roll-out of the checks this spring.

Racing and betting have also joined forces with The Sun newspaper’s ‘Save Our Bets’ campaign and we have launched an online portal for racing fans and punters to write to their local MP asking them to put pressure on the Government to halt the checks.

Why are we doing this?

According to betting operators who have worked on the Gambling Commission’s pilot of checks, which has been running for more than 18 months, the credit reference agencies (CRAs) used are obtaining vastly different results for the same customer and an insufficient level of data to profile customer risk. It means that if these checks were implemented now they would not be entirely ‘frictionless’ for punters.

It would mean some would still be required to hand over personal financial documents such as payslips and bank statements, but at new, lower thresholds than the current 2024 Voluntary Industry Code.

As the BHA and racing have outlined consistently since the publication of the 2023 Gambling White Paper – including in our ‘Right to Bet’ campaign that year which saw over 100,000 people sign our petition which led to a debate in Parliament – affordability checks as they stand would have severe consequences for the sport’s finances.

And in allowing the GC to implement the checks in their current form, the Government would also directly contradict its own position.

Previous DCMS Minister Stuart Andrew MP said checks would only be implemented if they could be proven to be “truly frictionless.”

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Racing Together Community Week 2026

Racing Together Community Week, British racing’s national week of employee volunteering, will take place from 18–24 May 2026, bringing together organisations from across the sport to support communities nationwide.

Last year saw a record 90+ racing organisations, including racecourses, trainers, owners and staff, take part in the initiative, delivering a wide range of volunteering activities that made a positive impact in local communities.

Now in its seventh year, Racing Together Community Week has more than doubled participation since 2020. The initiative celebrates the collective efforts of the British racing industry to support local causes through activities including school outreach programmes, charity partnerships, community clean-ups, food bank support and wellbeing sessions.

New for 2026 is an optional theme designed to inspire new volunteering ideas and align activity across the sport.

Racing Together is encouraging organisations to support work addressing loneliness in local communities. The charity is currently delivering a BHA pilot programme, funded by the Racing Foundation, at six racecourses exploring how racing can help tackle loneliness in the areas surrounding racecourses.

This work forms part of the sport’s social impact strategy, find out more here. Those interested in aligning their activity with this theme are encouraged to contact Racing Together to discuss ideas: lucy@racingtogether.co.uk

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BHA Handicapper Martin Greenwood joins host Tommy Churchyard to provide his take on I Am Maximus’ historic second Grand National success at Aintree on Saturday.

Ratings updated every Tuesday: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database

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One of the best days of the year is finally here! It's the 2026 Randox Grand National and we've got everything you need to start your morning. BHA CEO Brant Dunshea joins host Nick Lightfoot to run through some of the big recent headlines, before James Given stops by to discuss the BHA's role in keep the equine stars of the show safe and healthy. Meanwhile, on-course at Aintree, Mark Scully speaks to a Grand National legend as Barry Geraghty shares the advice he gives to the riders as part of his jockey briefing.

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BHA handicapper Adam Barnes joins Tommy Churchyard to discuss Constitution Hill, who received an official rating following his second Flat win last week. He won in the Virgin Bet Novice Stakes at Kempton Racecourse on Wednesday (25.03.26).

• Constitution Hill’s unbeaten start

• His new handicap mark

• Future prospects on the Flat

The ratings are updated every Tuesday at britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database

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BHA Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill joins Tommy Churchyard to discuss Urban Lion's victory in a thrilling William Hill Lincoln, handing trainer Jack Channon a memorable double at the Flat season curtain raiser at Doncaster Raceourse.

The ratings are updated every Tuesday at britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database

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In a bumper episode of The BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot looks back on some of the main talking points from the Cheltenham Festival before Richard Wayman stops by to discuss the recently-announced Training Fees Credit Scheme. Finally, Rose Grissell joins the show to expand on the sport's new diversity and inclusion strategy.

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The Training Fees Credit Scheme got underway at @CheltenhamRaces last week. The BHA scheme is about incentivising owners to have quality horses trained in Britain. It is just one part of a package of measures designed to encourage owning, training and breeding of quality Jumps horses here.

Full details: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/innovative-training-fees-credit-scheme-introduced-to-provide-boost-to-ownership-of-quality-jumps-horses

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Earlier this week the BHA launched our new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy – a three‑year plan to build a sport that is inclusive, safe and welcoming for everyone. Our new EDI Strategy sets out clear, evidence-based actions to strengthen leadership, widen opportunity and improve fairness across the sport.

Alongside the strategy, we’ve published a summary of new ethnicity research capturing the lived experiences of ethnically and culturally diverse people working in racing. Their insights have shaped our priorities and will inform a dedicated action plan.

From improved reporting systems to inclusive education, leadership development and better support for underrepresented groups, the strategy focuses on practical change and providing the sport with the tools to improve diversity and inclusion.

Full details: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/all-in-the-race-british-horseracing-authority-launches-new-cross-industry-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy-and-publishes-ethnicity-research/

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Tommy Churchyard caught up with BHA Handicapper Martin Greenwood to reflect on Gaelic Warrior's emphatic victory in the Boodles Gold Cup on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival last week.

The handicap ratings are updated every Tuesday on the BHA website.

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“He looked like he had this sort of win in him.”

BHA Handicapper James Norris provides his initial reaction to Home By The Lee’s Stayers’ Hurdle victory on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

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The feature race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival belonged to Il Etait Temps and Paul Townend, who were victorious in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Tommy Churchyard caught up with BHA handicapper Chris Nash for his immediate reflections at the end of Ladies Day.

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BHA handicapper Michael Harris provides his initial assessment after Lossiemouth soared up the hill for a historic victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ratings updated every Tuesday: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database/

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In his first interview since being confirmed as the BHA's Chief Executive, Brant Dunshea joins Nick Lightfoot to share his hopes for the future of the sport and reflect on the departure of Lord Charles Allen as BHA Chair.

The BHA confirmed the permanent appointment this morning (05.03.26).

Brant has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity since December 2024 following the departure of Julie Harrington.

He has held several senior positions at British racing’s governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as Chief Regulatory Officer prior to being appointed acting CEO.

The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as Interim Chair. This follows the resignation of Lord Charles Allen on Tuesday 3 March.

David assumes the role for a second time, having previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year.

He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as Senior Independent Director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade.

Steps will now be taken to recruit a permanent BHA Chair.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive Officer of the BHA, said:

“I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA.

“It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.

“The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.

“I know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses.

“It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.”

Read more: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/brant-dunshea-appointed-bha-chief-executive-officer-with-david-jones-confirmed-interim-chair/

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The BHA Podcast podcast features interviews with senior leaders within the organisation, as well as stories of the work of those who make racing happen every day and is hosted by broadcaster Nick Lightfoot.

Listeners are encouraged to share their own questions at podcast@britishhorseracing.com, which in future episodes will be put directly to the relevant BHA figure to provide answers as often as is practicably possible.

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Join Nick Lightfoot for all the action from the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin. 

This episode features live reaction straight from The Pavillion at Ascot Racecourse, where the star-studded ceremony took place on Monday 23 February. 

We catch up with BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea, Chair of the Judging Panel Nick Luck, host Ed Chamberlin and Raceday TV's Frankie Foster before speaking to the winners on the night. There's even a guest appearance by Welsh boxing legend Joe Calzaghe.

Congratulations to Freddie Wilks, Louisa Allen, Kieran Kourdache, James Goddard, Derek Snaith and Hayley Clements.

Generously sponsored by Godolphin and organised by the BHA, in partnership with Racing TV, Racing Post and Ascot Racecourse Supports, the awards recognise and celebrate the people at the heart of British racing and breeding. 

You can watch highlights from the ceremony over at thoroughbredawards.co.uk.

Find out more about the winners at britishhorseracing.com.

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BHA CEO Brant Dunshea joins host Nick Lightfoot for the final episode of the year to reflect on an extraordinary year for British racing.

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The BHA Podcast podcast features interviews with senior leaders within the organisation, as well as stories of the work of those who make racing happen every day and is hosted by broadcaster Nick Lightfoot.

Listeners are encouraged to share their own questions at podcast@britishhorseracing.com, which in future episodes will be put directly to the relevant BHA figure to provide answers as often as is practicably possible.

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In a busy episode of the BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot is joined Richard Wayman and Tom Byrne also stop by to reflect on a busy 2025 for their Racing Department, look ahead to 2026 and pick out their on-track highlights of the year.

BHA integrity bosses Aja Hall and John Burgess also stop by unpack the extraordinary Hillsin investigation following its recent conclusion.

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The BHA Podcast podcast features interviews with senior leaders within the organisation, as well as stories of the work of those who make racing happen every day and is hosted by broadcaster Nick Lightfoot.

Listeners are encouraged to share their own questions at podcast@britishhorseracing.com, which in future episodes will be put directly to the relevant BHA figure to provide answers as often as is practicably possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.