FAQs
Racing's Rules
The Rules of Racing are in place primarily to ensure a level playing field, safeguard racings integrity and to protect the safety and welfare of the horse and rider.
The Rules are updated throughout the year, but the Rules Book is re-printed annually.
The Orders and Rules of Racing are made by the British Horseracing Authority, the regulator and governing body of British racing.
In July 2007 the British Horseracing Authority made an online and interactive version of the Rules Book available for the first time
Frequently Asked Questions
Website Content
How up to date are the Orders and Rules Online?
Which Rules, Orders and Instructions are displayed within the “The Latest Rule Changes” section of the home page?
Which Rules, Orders and Instructions are displayed within the “The Recent Rule Changes” section ?
Which Rules, Orders and Instructions are displayed within the “Forthcoming Rule Changes” section?
What is the penalties page?
Can I find the appropriate penalty relating to a rule?
What is the “Guide to Procedures and Penalties” Booklet?
Are previous versions of the rules available on the website?
Using the Site
What is the best way to look up a rule?
How do I search for a rule if I know its rule number?
How do I search for rules on a particular subject?
Are there any limitations when using the search field.
Can I narrow down my search using search syntax
How do I return to the homepage?
Contact
Who can I contact if I have a question about the website?
Who can I contact if I have a question about the interpretation of a rule?
How up to date are the Orders and Rules Online?
The Orders and Rule Online is completely up to date with all the current Orders, Rules and Instructions that the HRA have approved and published.
Which Rules, Orders and Instructions are displayed within the “The Latest Rule Changes” section of the home page?
These are the changes to the Orders, Rules and Instructions that have come into effect most recently.
Which Rules, Orders and Instructions are displayed within the “The Recent Rule Changes” section ?
These are the most recent Rules that have come into effect and which can already be found within the text. Each rule section is suffixed by the date it came into effect.
Which Rules, Orders and Instructions are displayed within the “Forthcoming Rule Changes” section?
These are the Rules that have been agreed by the HRA and BHB but have not yet come into effect on that days date. Each rule is suffixed by the date it will be come into effect.
What is the penalties page?
The penalties page lists the penalties that can be imposed for breaches of the rules.
Can I find the appropriate penalty relating to a rule?
By clicking on the penalty link under each rule section you will be directed to the appropriate section of the penalties page.
What is the “Guide to Procedures and Penalties” Booklet?
The Guide to Procedures and Penalties is a booklet published each year primarily for the racecourse stewards but also to allow racing’s participants and public to understand the penalties that can be imposed for breaches of the rules. This booklet can be downloaded in the PDF format by clicking on the link at the top of the Penalties page.
Are previous versions of the rules available on the website?
The website holds information back to its implementation date of 16th July 2007. By changing the date at the top of each page you can check the status of the rule at that previous date.
For information on how a rule might have changed please contact rules@britishhorseracing.com
What is the best way to look up a rule?
The menu displayed on the left hand side of the webpage allows you to drill down through the different parts and sections of the rulebook content. Alternatively, the search field will allow you to search for a word or specific words and phrases contained within the text.
How do I search for a rule if I know its rule number?
In the search field key in the word rule plus the number surrounded by quotation marks, if you are looking for rule 36 key in “rule 36”.
How do I search for rules on a particular subject?
The Orders and Rules are broken down into subject PARTS that deal with the different aspects of horse racing, the Instructions have SECTIONS headed A to K. You can drill down into the Sub Parts and Sub Sections to find the rule or instruction needed.
Are there any limitations when using the search field.
The system will not allow you to search on a word of less than 4 characters.
Can I narrow down my search using search syntax
By surrounding a phrase in quotation marks you can narrow your results to those where the phrase appears exactly as typed.
How do I return to the homepage?
Click on the BHB/HRA Logo on the top right hand corner of the site.
Contact
Who can I contact if I have a question about the website?
You can email rules@britishhorseracing.com
Who can I contact if I have a question about the interpretation of a rule?
You can email rules@britishhorseracing.com or call the HRA on 0207 189 3800.