Reserves

loophole closed

THE rules around reserves in races have been changed. It will not now be possible for reserves to be declared after 10am or 11am (depending on the time of year) and a declared rider can’t switch to a reserve unless his original mount is a non-runner.

The issue of reserves gained attention at Galway last summer when Ballycasey was withdrawn from the Galway Plate less than two hours before the race. This allowed his stable companion and ante-post favourite Patricks Park into the race. Ruby Walsh duly switched to that horse who finished second to Clarcam. No rules were broken but it was argued that punters who placed their bets earlier in the day were disadvantaged.