• BHA’s radical move backed by Cheltenham and Bettors’ Forum group • Switch in response to feedback from various sections of racing industryThe British Horseracing Authority has announced that all races at next year’s Cheltenham Festival will declare at the 48-hour stage. Previously, only the non-novice Grade Ones declared two days in advance, with the other races sticking to the usual National Hunt 24-hour stage. Talking Horses: Tuesday best bets for Leicester, Catterick Bridge and Newcastle Read moreHowever, in a radical move from the BHA, who has been supported by Cheltenham and Jockey Club Racecourses, the switch has been made in response to feedback from various sections of the racing industry. All the handicaps will have two reserve slots, the deadline for which will be 1pm the day before the race. Simon Rowlands, chair of the Horseracing Bettors’ Forum, said: “This move is welcomed by the Horseracing Bettors Forum, which received a fair amount of correspondence from the public around the time of the last two Cheltenham Festivals suggesting declarations be made 48 hours, or even longer, in advance.

Source: The Guardian September 12, 2017 12:11 UTC