BHA apologise for Lingfield mix-up

The British Horseracing Authority has apologised to trainer John Butler over circumstances which led to the withdrawal in error of his horse Split Elevens at Lingfield on Monday.

The Newmarket trainer had his horse scratched from the fourth race in error after the clerk of the scales took out number six from the wrong race at the Surrey venue.

After looking into the incident a BHA statement confirmed they had contacted Butler to offer both an apology and an explanation as to why the horse could not be reinstated into the race.

“We have spoken to both the trainer and owner of Split Elevens since the incident to offer an explanation and apology. We apologise too to bettors and racing fans who were enjoying Lingfield’s card on Monday for the confusion caused.

“We are sorry that an error resulted in Split Elevens being declared a non-runner prior to the 6.40 at Lingfield on Monday.

“This error occurred when horse number six, Beningbrough Hall, was withdrawn having become upset in the stalls while loading for the 6.10. While in the process of weighing out the following race, the Clerk of the Scales inadvertently withdrew Split Elevens, also number six, in the 6.40.

“Unfortunately, in accordance with the Rules of Racing, once a horse has been withdrawn from a race and consequently the betting market, even unintentionally, they cannot be reinstated.”

That rule is in place to protect bettors and, in no small part, the downstream betting markets given the number of betting pools around the world taking UK races and significant issues arising from reinstating a horse once they have been removed.