The BHA Podcast

Scandinavia battled past Trawlerman for a thrilling victory in the 2026 Gold Cup on the third day of Royal Ascot, handing trainer Aidan O'Brien his 100th success at the meeting.Tommy Churchyard caught up with BHA Handicapper shortly after the race to get his early thoughts on the contest. 

Could that be his best performance yet? Ombudsman made it back-to-back victories in the Prince of Wales Stakes in impressive fashion under William Buick on the second day of Royal Ascot.We caught up with BHA Handicapper Dominic Gardiner-Hill to get his immediate reflections on the race, plus an assessment of Bow Echo's success in the St James's Palace Stakes on the opening day. 

Christmas Day cruised to victory under Ronan Whelan in the 247th running of the Betfred Derby on Saturday, handing trainer Aidan O’Brien his 12th success in the British Classic.Bay City Roller and jockey Oisin Murphy landed the Coronation Cup for trainer George Scott earlier in the day while on Friday, Thundering On secured victory in the Betfred Oaks, partnered by Dylan Browne McMonagle for Joseph O'Brien.Host Tommy Churchyard was joined by BHA Handicapper Mark Olley to discuss all the action from the two days Epsom Racecourse. ====Mission statement for BHA handicappingFairEvery horse will be treated fairly and with the highest level of integrity at all times, strictly on the merit of its form and using good handicapping practice.TransparentBHA Handicapping will be accessible and understandable for all customers. BHA methodology will be published, demystified and actively communicated.AccountableBHA Handicappers will be available to participants to provide logical and reasonable explanations for their decisions via the appropriate channels at the appropriate time.ConsistentUsing robust data analysis, the BHA Handicapping department will monitor and publish its work to ensure a consistent and equitable approach for all customer groups.ProgressiveThe BHA Handicapping department will conduct research and analysis to ensure its policies are optimal in achieving a fair outcome for horses racing in British handicaps.

With the debate continuing following the decision by the Stewards at Epsom to declare favourite Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner following the Betfred Derby, BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea joins host Nick Lightfoot to explain what happened at the start of the world's most famous flat race.===Needless to say, the incident involving the declaration of Benvenuto Cellini as a non-runner in this year’s Derby has caused significant debate. The strength of feeling is understandable given the magnitude of the race.The purpose of this blog is to set out the background and rationale regarding the introduction of this rule, and to address some of the comments and concerns that have been raised.From 1 May 2024 we introduced an amendment of Rule (H)6 in order to allow the BHA Stewards to declare a non-runner in any race beginning from starting stalls if they believe that a horse has been denied a fair start.The change aligned Britain with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) model rule and the approach applied by most other major racing nations. Its introduction followed engagement with and feedback from industry stakeholders, including participants and the betting industry.The rationale behind the rule is that it is unfair to the betting public to lose their money on a horse who is prevented from starting on equal terms.Read the full blog: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/non-runners-at-the-start/

Thundering On produced an impressive display to take the Betfred Oaks for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle and trainer Joseph O'Brien.BHA Handicapper Mark Olley spoke to James Giblett moments after the race for his immediate assessment of the race and took a look ahead to tomorrow's Coronation Cup and Betfred Derby 2026.

Ombudsman stormed to victory under jockey William Buick to land the Star Sports Brigadier Gerard Stakes on a glorious evening at Sandown Park last Thursday.Host Tommy Churchill sat down with the BHA's Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill to reflect on the contest and assess his prospects at Royal Ascot in a couple of weeks.====You can find all published handicap ratings for horses running in Britain on the BHA website, updated each week on Tuesday morning: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/official-ratings/ratings-database====Mission statement for BHA handicappingFairEvery horse will be treated fairly and with the highest level of integrity at all times, strictly on the merit of its form and using good handicapping practice.TransparentBHA Handicapping will be accessible and understandable for all customers. BHA methodology will be published, demystified and actively communicated.AccountableBHA Handicappers will be available to participants to provide logical and reasonable explanations for their decisions via the appropriate channels at the appropriate time.ConsistentUsing robust data analysis, the BHA Handicapping department will monitor and publish its work to ensure a consistent and equitable approach for all customer groups.ProgressiveThe BHA Handicapping department will conduct research and analysis to ensure its policies are optimal in achieving a fair outcome for horses racing in British handicaps.