Novice Rider Allowance Change in Regulation

IMPORTANT, PLEASE ALL READ:

After recent confusion at fixtures with regards to Novice Rider allowances, the Point-to-Point Authority asked the British Horseracing Authority to review the discrepancy in wording between The Planner and Regulation 76, relating to Novice Rider allowances in Novice Rider Races.

The BHA and PPA are now able to clarify the situation, and avoid any confusion going forward, with the following statement:

“Although not originally intended when re-writing Regulation 76, it has been pointed out that the Conditions for all races restricted to Novice Riders in the 2025-26 Point-to-Point Planner state that allowances CAN be claimed.  

Accordingly, with immediate effect Fixtures should note, and draw to their Clerk of the Scales attention, that in all races restricted to Novice Riders, allowances CAN be claimed:

ALLOWANCES: Riders who, prior to the Thursday before the date of this Point-to-Point Steeplechase, have not ridden more than 10 winners under the Rules of Racing or the Rules of a recognised Racing Authority, Point-to-Point Steeplechases or Arabian Horse Races; 5lb.

This will not affect the results of any races which have already taken place. 

The PPA and BHA would like to thank everyone who brought the discrepancy to our attention.