Reserves And Non Runners

 How does the reserve system work?

At the time of closing of declarations when a race is oversubscribed a process of elimination or balloting takes place to reduce the number of declared runners to the recommended limits relevant to each race. The recommended limits of races can vary on each racecourse depending on the distance of the race, race category, and track configuration. The process of elimination / balloting is conducted by HRI with each race category having its own criteria for balloting or elimination. The balloting criteria can be found on the HRI web site www.hri-ras.ie under “Information” in the “HRI Directives”
The number of horses balloted or eliminated in any one race will determine the number of horses listed as Reserves and the maximum number is three. The names of the reserves are published on the race card in order of priority.

Do Trainers with non-runners inform the reserves?

In the majority of cases the trainer of a non-runner will notify the trainers of the reserves of an opportunity to run. Trainers are requested to do so for the reserve system to operate effectively and if the Trainers Association is made aware of a non-runner they will also contact trainers. The Trainers Association takes a firm approach to the lack of notification of a non-runner and will follow up on complaints from trainers who were not notified by a fellow trainer.

Why do some reserves not take up the option?

For the system to work effectively early communication between trainers is essential. If a horse is a late withdrawal on a race day it may not be feasible or possible within the time available for the trainer of the reserve to take up the option to run. A reserve can only get a run when there is a non-runner in the race and if the reason for not running is perhaps due to a significant change in the going then such conditions may also not suit some of the reserves. The most recent date a horse is balloted can offer some protection from balloting in some future races.

Must I declare a reserve and how do I do it?

If the trainer of a reserve exercises his/her option to run he/she must declare the horse on the dedicated Non-Runner/Declaration of Reserve telephone line 045 – 445645 not less than one and a half hours before the time of the first race otherwise the horse cannot run. Declaring a reserve does not guarantee that the horse will get a run as it will depend on the number of non-runners notified before the closing time and the order number of that reserve. If no rider was nominated on a reserve and that horse is subsequently declared to run then a rider must also be nominated on the dedicated telephone line not less than one and a half hours before the time of the first race or it will be automatically be withdrawn.
The owner of a reserve who gets a run is liable for the entry and declaration fees. Reserves which run are no longer deemed balloted or eliminated on the day.
For full details see Rule 194(iii)

Must I declare a reserve a non-runner?

If the trainer of a horse listed as a reserve does not wish to run then he/she must notify the horse as a non-runner on the Non-Runner/Declaration of Reserve telephone line 045 – 445645 not less than one and a half hours before the time of the first race. No excuse for non-running is necessary when declaring a reserve a non-runner unless that reserve had already been declared as a runner.

How do I declare a non-runner?

All non-runners (including any reserves) must be notified on the dedicated Non-Runner/Declaration of Reserve telephone line 045 – 445645 not less than one and a half hours before the time of the first race.
For full details see Rule 194(iii)

What are the penalties for not running?

There are various fines and suspensions imposed unless the withdrawal is by permission or order of the Stewards. The suspensions (which start from the day following the race) can range from 2 days to 14 days and depending on the excuse submitted there may also be a fine ranging from €200 to €400 or more.
For full details see Rule 194(v)