Can any horse run in a handicap now?
This week in some Uk races, there are runners in handicaps that have just had the 1 run.



Matt

I've also seen a first time out horse in a G1.

If i would have known this has changed i would have put one of mine in.

Yes, this week in the Christmas spirit I have allowed first time group entries (mainly new trainers) and 1 runs in handicaps. The latter mainly to see what effect it actually has, when the results come out I want to see what people think of them and whether they think the # runs rule is good.

Going forward the old rules will apply. This wasn't planned but I think that's better to avoid people potentially abusing it.

Rich can you clarify something which will be of vital importance to my nhc stable plans??!!

If i upload new horses and give them a run in week 11 will they be allowed to run in a handicap at Cheltenham??

dont think so ryan, this week only as a tester

we shud of been given heads up before noms closed!

true dis

As I said, if I had told you beforehand it would have potentially been abused.

This week there were very few instances and it was a perfect opportunity to see what difference the changes made.

i know buddy!!

i just want to clarify - all handicap runners at cheltenham must have 3 runs or 2 at the distance??

i ask because i was going to add a new 3yo juvenile hurdler but he can only run once in week 11 before the Fred Winter at Cheltenham. so i have to check the rule!!??

Minimum 2 runs for a handicap at Cheltenham.

We'll review the handicaps this week and I think most will agree that the 2 run rule makes sense.