In a bumper episode of The BHA Podcast, host Nick Lightfoot is joined by BHA handicappers Martin Greenwood and Michael Harris to reflect on the publication of the Anglo-Irish Jumps Classification and look back on a memorable season.
Director of Integrity John Burgess and Media Manager Mark Scully also stop by to discuss online abuse of racing participants, consider the scale of the problem and ask what can be done?
Finally, the BHA's top vet James Given gives the latest on the spread of equine flu and the steps being taken to protect the sport.
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Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior heads 2025/26 Anglo-Irish Jumps Classification
Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior has finished top of the end-of-season Anglo Irish Jumps Classification for 2025/26 with a rating of 180.
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old lined up in the Gold Cup for the first time this year and produced a blistering performance to defeat Jango Baie (168) by eight lengths under Paul Townend.
He followed that up with an even more comprehensive victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup, getting the better of Fact To File (173) – who had previously beaten Gaelic Warrior in February’s Irish Gold Cup – by 26 lengths.
His other efforts last season saw him involved in two narrow finishes, landing the John Durkan by a neck first-time-out and then finishing third in a remarkable renewal of the King George VI Chase won by The Jukebox Man (168), with the first four home separated by just half a length.
Full info: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/gold-cup-winner-gaelic-warrior-heads-2025-26-anglo-irish-jumps-classification/
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RaceWISE: British racing’s anonymous reporting service
RaceWISE is a secure way for anyone with concerns about potential wrongdoing in the sport to report these to the BHA, without having to reveal their identity.
This may include possible integrity threats, both on and off the racecourse, the treatment and welfare of horses and humans, safeguarding and equality concerns, or anything else related to British racing that may not feel or look quite right and could damage the reputation of the sport.
Find out how to get in touch: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/racewise
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Equine flu update: Only horses from licensed training yards to be permitted raceday access
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed today that from Wednesday 20 May, only horses from licensed training yards will be permitted to enter racecourse property on raceday.
With a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population, this is a precautionary measure to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed.
This decision will result in the abandonment of all scheduled Hunter Chase races from 20 May, including the Hunter Chase evening at Stratford Racecourse on 29 May.
It also means the cancellation of other equine events due to take place on British racecourses, including Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) parades and activities such as petting farms and pony rides as part of family fun day entertainment.
Latest update: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/equine-flu-update-only-horses-from-licensed-training-yards-to-be-permitted-raceday-access/
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