Overview
- A clerk of the scales removed the wrong number-six horse on Monday at Lingfield after the starter radioed that the number-six in the earlier race had been withdrawn, which led to Split Elevens being declared a non-runner.
- The mistake happened because two different runners were both listed as number six in adjacent races and the clerk applied the starter’s withdrawal to the later race instead of the earlier one.
- Under the Rules of Racing, once a horse is declared a non-runner its removal cannot be reversed on the day, so Split Elevens could not be reinstated even after the error was identified.
- Trainer John Butler and owner Dave James say there has been significant financial and emotional harm from the error, noting the race carried about £3,500 to the winner and that one owner missed a potential multiple worth around £4,500, and the BHA has since apologised and explained the decision to the connections.
- Lingfield stewards have forwarded their inquiry report to the BHA and stakeholders are pressing for operational fixes such as an assistant clerk of the scales and a review of reinstatement procedures, which could prompt guidance or rule changes from the regulator.