British Horseracing Authority Changes Walkover Rule
Yealand’s bloodless victory at Haydock last week has earned a place in racing’s history books after the British Horseracing Authority changed the rules relating to a walkover with immediate effect March 24.
The Jennie Candlish-trained Yealand was the last one standing when his two rivals were withdrawn due to the going at Haydock. But, as has been the rule, he still had to be ridden past the winning post to collect the first prize of £7,922 (US$10,299).
With Monday’s rule change by the BHA, any horse in the same position in the future will now be declared the winner without having to set foot on the racecourse.
According to the BHA, the change is designed to “reduce the overall impact of a walkover and remove the additional requirements placed on participants” and was given the thumbs up from rider Sean Quinlan, who punched the air ironically after cantering past the post alone aboard Yealand March 19.
“There’s no point in a horse going out there if he’s the only one and things should just be kept as simple as possible,” Quinlan said. “It saves time, fuss, and stops everyone complaining. And if it means a horse doesn’t have to travel to the races just to walkover, that’s a good thing. The same goes for a rider who has just that one ride on the day.”
A previous change to the weights and handicapping code meant walkovers have not counted toward handicap marks, penalties, or qualifications since the start of 2022.
