UPDATES TO THE PROHIBITED LIST CODE

With immediate effect, the BHA will apply the following internationally agreed residue limits for Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO), both prohibited substances, as recommended by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA):

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

• Urine – 1200 ug/l (micrograms per litre)

MSM is a naturally occurring substance which can be found in various feedstuffs and supplements. MSM can be a metabolite of Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO). It is a Prohibited Substance, as it has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in horse liver cells and cortisol-induced stress in racehorse skeletal muscle.

Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO)

• Urine – 15 ug/l (micrograms per litre)
• Plasma – 1000 ng/l (nanograms per litre)

DMSO is a Prohibited Substance which was previously controlled by International Thresholds in urine and plasma.

19. Category B Prohibited Substances (Paragraph 15) will be amended accordingly to reflect the updated thresholds.

QUALIFICATION RULES FOR CLASS 1 AND 2 HANDICAP HURDLES

As communicated previously, from 1 October 2022 novice and juvenile horses will be required to run a minimum of four times (up from three) prior to competing in a Class 1 or Class 2 handicap hurdle race, which is not restricted to novices or juveniles

The Weights and Handicapping Code (15.2 and 15.3) has been updated to reflect this change.

PERMIT TRAINERS – HORSES THAT HAVE RUN IN A HUNTERS’ CHASE

An adjustment to wording of Paragraph 14 of the Running Requirement Code, to make specific reference to Permit Trainers being permitted to run a horse in their care in a Hunters’ Chase and then in any other chase during the same season. This is a clarification of an existing Rule.

AMENDMENT TO APPROVED LIST OF SKULL CAPS

Skull caps must comply with certified safety standards, as specified in Paragraph 25 of the Equipment Code.

From 1 January 2023, SNELL E2001 will be removed from the approved list of skull caps. This will ensure that riders are wearing the most up-to-date headgear, with SNELL E2001 no longer accepted due to the age of the equipment made to this standard.

The implementation date of 1 January 2023 has been agreed to give jockeys and trainers currently using SNELL E2001 the opportunity to purchase new hats where necessary prior to the Rule coming into effect.

British Eventing, The Pony Club and British Riding Clubs will also remove SNELL E2001 from its accepted standards from 1 January 2023. The SNELL E2001 is not an approved standard with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB).

INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL ITEMS IN DEFINITION OF EXCLUDED EQUIPMENT

Effective immediately, gloves, goggles and other face protection items will be added to the definition of equipment to be excluded from a jockey’s weight when weighing-in and weighing-out.

While it is already unlikely that these items will be worn when a jockey weighs, their inclusion in the Rules definition ensures consistency with internationally agreed classifications.