The British Horseracing Authority have announced that significant changes to the conditions for Hunter Chases drive in part by the rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK and the ongoing government restrictions to try and contain the spread of the virus.
Amateur riders will not be permitted to take part in races under rules in Britain from Saturday, 16 January, onwards.
The BHA said that this was “in line with government restrictions around the definition of elite sport and the associated suspension of grassroots sport.”
Existing races will have their conditions changed to allow for professional riders only until further notice with hunter chases most particularly effected.
These races will continue to be programmed but, in line with these latest restrictions, will be open to professional riders only, including conditional riders.
Following this change, the base weights for hunter cases will be reduced in line with other professional races.
Ludlow will host the first hunter chase of 2021 in Britain on Thursday January 21, with early season highlights of the Scottish Foxhunters at Musselburgh following on February 6 and Welsh Foxhunters at Ffos Las on February 11.
Ludlow will host the first hunter chase of 2021 in Britain on Thursday January 21, with early season highlights of the Scottish Foxhunters at Musselburgh following on February 6 and Welsh Foxhunters at Ffos Las on February 11.
