Overview
- The review will be specific to Cheltenham and will examine course configuration, pre‑start processes, technology, penalties and rider perspectives from different jurisdictions.
- Stewards have issued bans for start‑line misconduct as starting problems continued despite pre‑Festival adjustments agreed with the PJA and Jockey Club.
- The BHA says it will continue consulting riders this week to see what can be done to improve starts for the remaining races.
- A pre‑start altercation between Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville in the Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle is being investigated after an allegation of racial abuse.
- High‑profile figures including Paul Nicholls and John Francome criticised the starts as embarrassing, while the BHA highlights that roughly three in every 100 jump races elsewhere produce a false start.