21. Benvenuto Cellini Non-Runner Derby Debate

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