I know a few people are interested in a couple of runners but it has come to my attention that the long time ante-post favourite Backstage may be ineligible for the race. Judging by Rule 41.6 the below rules should apply to "any Hunter's Steeple Chase run in 2012". 41.5 With regard to Hunters' Steeple Chases (run during 2012) 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, 2011 and ending on December 31st, 2011, 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 7th, 2009, it has won a steeple chase which was not confined to Amateur Riders, which had a penalty value of £20,000 or more and which was run under the rules of a Recognised Racing Authority, or 41.5.3.3 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 has run under the rules of a Recognised Racing Authority, or 41.5.3.4 after September 30th, 2010 it has been placed first, second or third in 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 2012. It has been pointed out on Twitter that Backstage would be ineligible for the Foxhunters for winning at Ffos Las in August 2009 in a race worth £30k to the winner under rule 41.5.3.2. http://rules.britishhorseracing.com/Orders-and-rules&staticID=126457&depth=3?zoom_highlight=hunter
I wonder what stance the bookmakers would take on this if punters are backing a horse that is inelligible.
You'd have to think they'll refund all bets, would be a PR disaster if they took bets on a horse that was inelligable and didn't refund. Amazed so many people (connections and bookmakers) failed to check the race criteria to be honest....
This is not confirmed yet. However, I fail to see how I can be wrong given that the rules are the rules . . . unless of course the rules are not the rules in this case.
41.5.3.2 on or after June 7th, 2009, it has won a steeple chase which was not confined to Amateur Riders, which had a penalty value of £20,000 or more and which was run under the rules of a Recognised Racing Authority, or Chapoturgeon's Festival win was on 12th March 2009 . . .
According to Weatherbys he is ineligible for the Foxhunters. Still waiting on what the BHA have to say.
He is ineligible. Now confirmed by both Weatherbys and the BHA, and I rather despondent Gordon Elliott. http://betting.betfair.ie/gordon-el...-not-qualify-for-foxhunters-chase-230212.html
8.8 but market now suspended. I considered taking the lot when I first found out but couldn't be certain that there wasn't some hidden technicality that would have allowed him to run. Some bookies have started refunding so it might be that bets would be voided anyway given that it was always impossible for him to take part. It wasn't as if he failed to meet a qualification, it was always impossible for him to be eligible this year. Probably a good thing it has come out sooner rather than later, otherwise it might have been even more of a cock-up. I feel sorry for connections in one way in that they've targeted the race, but then again, if others can find the rules stating that he can't run, then surely it is Gordon Elliott's duty to do likewise. Some sympathy but ultimately a careless piece of training.
It should be a non bet, and thus refunded. He could never win the race so it can't stand as a bet. Thats the theory anyway. Who have they shortened today then?
Will they implement a Rule 4 deduction as surely there Ante-Post book has been geared up around this one been favourite
No rule 4 on ante post books cityhull. Zen - 8.8 was about right then, no-one looks to have made out of it. Betfair, if they're to be consistent, are likely to settle him as a runner, they only voided the Binocular bets last year that were placed on Sunday (so those that laid him on Saturday collected).
