Login
WATCH FREE
BHA announce raft of changes to prevent repeat of Cheltenham starts
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 16 Jul 2026
Tougher penalties for jockeys, walking starts and start zones are among a range of recommendations made following a review into the false starts which caused huge controversy at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
The review was carried out by the British Horseracing Authority in consultation with Cheltenham racecourse, leading jockeys from Britain and Ireland, trainers, bettors, broadcasters, officials and other stakeholders.
Amongst five key recommendations, changes will be made to the two and two and a half mile starts at the track in order to stop runners accelerating around bends towards the tapes and ensure more starts in a straight line.
There will be a change to the pace at which horses can approach the line from “walk or jig-jog” to “walk” and tiered penalties for jockeys who transgress the rules similar to whip ban rules with increased suspensions for elite races.
In addition, the BHA are to trial the introduction of a visible physical line between 15-30 yards before the start line to create a zone from which a starter is able to start a race – a move intended to give clarity to jockeys.
The review followed an alarming increase in false starts at the Festival over the last five years from around 18 per cent in 2022 to nearly 40 per cent, figures which contrast in with between three to four per cent over the same period in wider jump racing.
Cathy O’Meara, head of raceday officials for the BHA, admitted the changes will not be a “golden bullet” but hoped that with cooperation from all stakeholders the situation will be greatly improved in 2026-27.
“We hope these changes will lead to an improvement to starts at the Festival and across Jump racing. But they are not a golden bullet,” she said. “Success also depends on everyone involved doing their part to observe the starting procedures.
“We will monitor how these measures bed in throughout 2027 and continue to refine them where necessary to ensure the best possible experience for horses, jockeys and racing fans.”
Cheltenham are set to roll out changes to the two most problematic starts (two and two and a half miles) at the October meeting but the remainder of the recommendations will be phased in gradually over the course of the season.
The new penalties structure will have a soft implementation before a proposed introduction in the first quarter of 2027 while start zones will have a trial period in the autumn ahead of implementation “in due course”.
Tiered penalties similar to the whip rules with increased penalties for transgressions in top class races would appear to be the most contentious area from the review and will be subject to further discussions with the Professional Jockeys Association.
But the BHA are confident that there is a consensus among riders that something needs to change.
“Any time we consult on rules there are going to be some topics that are more contentious than others especially when you are talking about penalties against someone’s licence there are going to be strong views,” said O’Meara.
“But I think there is appetite across the jockey’s cohorts that they want to ensure that if they are playing by the rules, those who aren’t are sufficiently penalised for that.
“It will take some time. There is a process we have to go to any time we put rules out there. And there will be some contentious discussions I’m sure, but we do feel we will be able to get something over the line.”
Changes to the pace at which horses are allowed to approach the start line will be subject to a finalisation of the rule change which is already under way and is expected to be in place for the start of the 2026-27 season.
The roll out of start zones is expected after further consultation with racecourses but the review conceded that the exact nature of the physical markers, and the depth of the starting boxes has yet to be firmed up and could vary course to course.
The review also recommended audio recordings of the starting procedure will be made available to stewards at next year’s Festival so they can better police the starts.
Related posts
Wednesday tips: Dave Nevison's three best bets
Thursday tips: Dave Nevison has selections at Epsom and Thirsk
Irish Oaks: eleven confirmed for Saturday's Classic
2026 Juddmonte Irish Oaks: runner-by-runner guide
Glorious Goodwood ante-post tips: "she looks overpriced at 66-1"
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved