Hurdles and steeplechase fences in Britain are to be gradually changed in colour from March 14 after research into equine vision undertaken at Exeter University and utilised by the Horse Welfare Board.
Racing at Stratford on 14th March will mark the start of a new era over jumps in Britain (Photo: Focusonracing)
The study, which was commissioned by the BHA and funded by the Racing Foundation, used camera equipment across 11 racecourses to establish which colours were most visible to horses when used on the take-off boards, guard rails and the top boards of an obstacle.
These elements have traditionally been orange, but an understanding of horses’ dichromatic vision led researchers to the conclusion that, through equine eyes, the colour orange was not distinct from the green shade of the turf.
Blue, bright yellow and white were all more easily distinguishable to horses and the latter colour was eventually chosen for its resistance to fading.
The theory was tested on 14 horses trained at the National Hunt yard of Richard Phillips, who corroborated the findings of the study and said: “Having been involved in the research undertaken by Exeter University and having used white obstacles for over three years now, I am convinced that changing the colour of jumps will be of immense benefits to the horses, riders and the sport as a whole.”
The transition will begin at Stratford and will take place over 10 months, with point-to-point tracks set to follow suit ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Barry Johnson, chair of the Horse Welfare Board, said: “This important project is an example of how British racing uses advanced scientific and veterinary research to constantly improve racehorse welfare.
“Looking through the eyes of the horse to understand how they perceive their world, and making changes because of this new knowledge, shows how racing is continuously striving to increase the safety of all participants in our sport, both human and equine.”
Former trainer James Given, who is now the director of equine health and welfare for the BHA and a member of the Horse Welfare Board, added: “We are determined to drive constant improvement and to make reasoned, well-researched and evidence-based changes which further reduce risk in the sport on a long-term basis and which help to improve safety factors for our horses.”
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Welcome to the official YouTube channel of Racing TV, the UK's leading horse racing channel showing live racing from the best racecourses in Great Britain and Ireland.
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Our panel give you the best insights into the racing this weekend, with in-depth analysis and tips throughout!
We also hear from On The Wire regular Donn McClean, who provides you with his top three selections for the DRF, as well as hearing from BOYLEsports ambassador Robbie Power who tells us the tales of DRF past, including his win on Sizing John in 2017!
This is a jam-packed show - get the kettle on, grab your popcorn and enjoy.
Our thanks to BOYLE sports for their ongoing support of On The Wire.
*All runners and prices correct at the time of recording*
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#horseracing #racing #Onthewire
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Last seen finishing strongly into third in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas, he was taking a big drop in class for the Join Coral ‘Bet £10 Get £50’ ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase.
Only two were declared to take him on, Donald McCain’s Maximilian, a Grade Two winner over hurdles in January 2023, and Nick Alexander’s Donny Boy.
Maximilian set out in front under Brian Hughes and while Donny Boy briefly led, Gavin Sheehan did not waste time in sending Wendigo on.
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Wendigo is a general 10-1 chance for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
“You always hope it is straightforward when they are so short in the betting and thankfully it was,” said Snowden.
“It’s a good sign when after the last he picked up immediately, suggesting there was plenty left, it was a perfect race really.
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“We went right-handed at Christmas, but we always had a sneaky suspicion he was better left-handed and he did jump out to his left at Kempton. All the graded races between now and then like the Scilly Isles, the Reynoldstown and Pendil are right-handed so we had to go up to Ayr.
“He jumped beautifully today and I think he’s the best of the British in the Brown Advisory, but he’s not had four runs over fences which qualifies him for the handicaps. Our main aim is the Brown Advisory, but we do have options.
“We can watch the Irish this weekend now.”
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Welcome to the official YouTube channel of Racing TV, the UK's leading horse racing channel showing live racing from the best racecourses in Great Britain and Ireland.
Subscribe to Racing TV's free YouTube channel and get closer to the sport we all love. If you want to watch unmissable moments from the world of racing and exclusive interviews and highlights from our specialist shows then this is the place for you! https://bit.ly/2RHbyMa
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