BHA to introduce minimum ratings for top races

The British Horseracing Authority has moved to stop apparent no-hopers running in Group One races by introducing a minimum official rating to run at the top level.

The ruling, which will come into force from next year, means no horse rated less than 80 will be able to run in Group Ones, although it does not apply to two-year-old races.

For any horse that does not have a rating, the BHA handicapper will have the discretion to allow the horse to run if satisfied his or her performances merit a rating of 80 or above.

Diore Lia attracted plenty of attention ahead of her intended appearance in the Epsom Derby. The daughter of Yeats was a 500-1 shot for the premier Classic, but was free to run, although the BHA prevented apprentice Gina Mangan from taking the ride. Diore Lia was eventually ruled out of the race due to injury.

Similar changes have been made to Grade One races over jumps. A minimum rating of 130 will apply to all non-novice Grade One chases and hurdles and a minimum of 120 for Grade One novice chases. The proposal does not extend to Grade One novice hurdles, however.

Ruth Quinn, director of international racing and racing development for the BHA, said: "The question of whether the races that form the pinnacle of our sport should require a minimum standard of competitiveness from equine participants is one that has been discussed in the past, but without an agreement being reached.

"Thanks to the PJA (Professional Jockeys Association) putting it back on the agenda, a further proposal was already being considered by the Flat Pattern Committee before the issues surrounding this year's Derby put into clear focus the need for action to be taken.

"Introducing a minimum rating for these races has three clear benefits.

"Firstly, it will help protect the welfare of the human and equine participants in our major races by reducing the risk that comes with inferior horses competing against far superior opponents.

"Secondly, it will ensure that the risk of unsatisfactory results in these races is reduced by taking out the unknown factor and complications that can be caused in-running by an inferior horse.

"Finally, it will help preserve the reputation and public perception of our top races as crown-jewel events, ensuring the focus can remain on these races identifying and celebrating our sport's champions.

"An initial minimum rating of 80 for Flat Group One races has been agreed between the relevant parties, but the impact of this will be monitored and this bar could be raised in the future, if it is felt appropriate."

Personally I really like this ruling.
Except that it now will not allow first timers to step out in group company, as has been done often enough for horses that have turned out to be champions

Yes, it's a bit of a double-edged sword in that respect. If I understand this correctly, a colt which had only run twice and, let's say, had finished second in a hot maiden as a 2yo and then reappeared in the 2000 Guineas and finished second again, would not be allowed to run in the Derby as of right since he would have no official rating (to get one you need to have either won a race or have run at least three times). Instead he would have to rely on the discretion of the handicapper.

The BHA comment about removing the 'unknown factor' in top races is utter rubbish - the 'unknown factor' is part of the attraction!