Rules to ensure that trainers do not run two-year-olds in England over inadequate or excessive distances in order to receive favorable handicap ratings have been shelved after the issue was reconsidered by the British Horseracing Board.
The BHB had moved to tighten the process by which juveniles are rated for their three-year-old campaigns after television documentaries questioned the integrity of the practice of running a horse over an excessive or inadequate distance with the aim of disguising ability.
But the BHB has decided to leave the rules unaltered and entrust racecourse stewards to identify such cases.My Bayard, the British-based racehorse removed from Wolverhampton racecourse without his trainer John Balding's permission, is back with his trainer while the involved parties discuss the matter of the horse's disputed ownership.
The five-year-old, who runs in the colors of Burntwood Sports Ltd., allegedly was kidnapped on November 20 by Michael Harris, who served as assistant to the gelding's former trainer, Jimmy O'Reilly, and claimed that he actually owned the horse. But Balding reported on December 22 that My Bayard, with two career wins from 27 runs, had been returned in good health by Harris after talks brokered by the Jockey Club security department.
My Bayard is barred from running until his ownership is resolved. Harris, who was arrested by police after removing the horse and had his racecourse pass removed by the Jockey Club, will face a bail hearing on January 6 to determine whether he will be charged under criminal law for the alleged abduction or whether ownership of My Bayard was a civil matter.—