4. cal
  6. Current rule
The Orders and Rules of Racing

Race Administration Manual (F)

PART 3 - RACING PROGRAMMES

41. General restrictions on racing

41.1 No horse may run in

41.1.1 a hurdle race until May 1st of the year in which it is three years old,
41.1.2 a steeple chase until July 1st of the year in which it is four years old, or
41.1.3 a Hunters' Steeple Chase until January 1st of the year in which the horse is five years old.

41.2 No horse may carry less than 10st in a hurdle race, steeple chase or National Hunt Flat Race unless

41.2.1 a rider's allowance is claimed as provided in Rule 141 or 142, or
41.2.2 if the race is confined to Conditional Jockeys, as provided in the conditions of the race.

41.3 No horse may run in a National Hunt Flat Race unless the horse is trained by a Person who is authorised (whether by licence, permit or otherwise) to train for steeple chases, hurdle races and National Hunt Flat Races.
41.4 No steeple chase or hurdle race may be run over a distance of less than two miles.
41.5 With regard to Hunters' Steeple Chases (run during 2013)

41.5.1 no race may be run before January 1st of any year,
41.5.2 the qualification in any race is limited to the particular period specified in the Hunters' Certificate, and
41.5.3 no horse may be entered for or start in a race if

41.5.3.1 in the period starting on November 1st, 2012 and ending on December 31st, 2012, it has run in any race apart from a Hunters' Steeple Chase which was run in Ireland on or after October 1st, or
41.5.3.2 on or after June 6th, 2010, it has won a steeple chase which was not confined to Amateur Riders, which had a penalty value of £18,000 or more and which was run under the rules of a Recognised Racing Authority, or
41.5.3.3 on or after June 2nd, 2011, it has won a steeple chase which was not confined to Amateur Riders, which had a penalty value of £16,000 or more and which has run under the rules of a Recognised Racing Authority, or
41.5.3.4 after September 30th, 2011 it has been placed first, second or third in a Grade 1 or Grade 2 steeple chase in Great Britain or Ireland or in any other steeple chase run outside Great Britain or Ireland which in the opinion of the Authority is the equivalent of a Grade 1 or Grade 2 steeple chase.

41.6 The dates specified in Paragraph 41.5.3 have effect in relation to any Hunter's Steeple Chase run in 2013.
41.7 Subject to Rule 41.8, no horse may carry more than 13st in a steeple chase, hurdle race or National Hunt Flat Race.
41.8 No account will be taken of

41.8.1 a Rider's allowance claimed in accordance with Rule 141 or 142, or
41.8.2 a weight allowance claimed in accordance with the conditions of the race.