SCHEDULES
Schedule 8 - Procedure for assessing poor jumpers
General
1. Any horse whose performance falls within the criteria set out in Paragraph 3 of this Schedule may be suspended from running in
- 1.1 steeple chases, or
1.2 steeple chases and hurdle races.
2.1 Suspension will last until two clear days after the horse satisfactorily passes an assessment of its jumping ability under this Schedule (see Paragraph 5).
2.2 No horse will be eligible for an assessment of its jumping ability under this Schedule until fourteen clear days after it last ran in the race which triggered the need for assessment.
Grounds for suspension
3. The Authority may suspend a horse from running in specified races, or races of a specified description, if it is satisfied that either of the following grounds is established.
GROUND 1
Unacceptable Jumping: the Authority considers that the horse's jumping is unacceptable.
An example of jumping which the Authority is likely to consider unacceptable is when a horse falls or unseats its Rider at an obstacle in three consecutive steeple chases or hurdle races (including any combination).
GROUND 2
Non-Completions: a horse fails to complete the course in five consecutive steeple chases or hurdle races (including any combination).
A 'non-completion' means any form of failure to complete the course.
If all non-completions have occurred in steeple chases, the horse will be entitled to run in races other than steeple chases.
Mitigating circumstances and application
4.1 In any case where the Authority proposes to suspend a horse, its Disciplinary Department will
- 4.1.1 notify the Trainer, and
4.1.2 subject to Paragraph 8, invite him to explain any mitigating circumstances there may be for the Authority not to suspend the horse.
4.2 Any explanation by the Trainer must be in writing and submitted to the Authority within 48 hours of the date of the notification under Paragraph 4.1.1.
4.3 After taking account of any explanation, the Authority must notify the Trainer in writing of its decision and, if the Authority decides to suspend the horse, the notification will specify
- 4.3.1 the time when the suspension is to commence, and
4.3.2 the descriptions of races to which it is to apply.
4.4 The suspension will continue until two clear days have elapsed after the horse satisfactorily passes an assessment in accordance with Paragraph 5.
Assessment procedure
5.1 When a horse is required to have its jumping assessed before it can race, the assessment
- 5.1.1 will be conducted by two assessors approved by the Authority, and
5.1.2 will take place at the Trainer's premises or at the place where the Trainer normally schools his horses.
5.2 The horse's passport must be presented to the assessors before the test and the Trainer must ensure that a suitable rider is available to partner the horse.
5.3 Subject to Paragraph 5.5, the assessment may take place over either
- 5.3.1 a minimum of two suitable schooling fences (including an open ditch), but
5.3.2 if available, three suitable schooling fences (including an open ditch).
5.4 The horse must jump the obstacles at least twice at 'near racing pace' and undertake such further jumps as the assessors may require.
5.5 Where a horse has been referred for assessment as a result of poor jumping in hurdle races only
- 5.5.1 the assessment must take place over a minimum of three hurdles jumped at least twice at 'near racing pace', and
5.5.2 the horse must undertake such further jumps as the assessors may require.
5.6 After the test the Trainer or his representative will be informed whether or not the horse has satisfactorily passed the assessment.
5.7 The fee payable in respect of each assessment
- 5.7.1 is specified in Schedule (A)1, and
5.7.2 must be paid by the owner of the horse at the time the test is conducted.
5.8 The Trainer must notify the owner of this charge.
Failing an assessment
6.1 Where a horse fails an assessment, it may not be submitted for re-assessment before the end of the period of 4 weeks starting with the day after the date of the failure.
6.2 If a horse fails two consecutive assessments without the suspension being lifted, a report will be made to the Authority and no further assessment may be made until the Authority has considered the report.
Further assessments
7.1 This Paragraph applies where, on the first run of a horse in a steeple chase or hurdle race following an assessment
- 7.1.1 the horse falls at an obstacle, or
7.1.2 the Authority considers that its jumping is unacceptable.
7.2 The Authority's Disciplinary Department will notify the Trainer
- 7.2.1 that it proposes to subject the horse to a suspension from running for a minimum period of 6 weeks followed by further assessment, and
7.2.2 that such assessment will not be made before the end of the period of 4 weeks starting with the day after the race in question.
7.3 Paragraphs 4.1.2, 4.2 and 4.3 shall apply where a notification is given under this Paragraph as it applies to a notification given under Paragraph 4.1.1.
7.4 Any suspension under this Paragraph will continue until two clear days have elapsed after the horse satisfactorily passes an assessment in accordance with Paragraph 5.
8.1 If a horse is required to undergo an assessment of its jumping on three occasions, the horse shall be suspended from running with immediate effect in
- 8.1.1 steeple chases, or
8.1.2 steeple chases and hurdle races,
and a report will be made to the Authority.
8.2 No further assessment may be made in such cases until the Authority has considered that report.