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On the 3 September 2025, the Directors of the IHRB approved the following changes to Regulation 16 (page 198) which will become effective on 03 September 2025:
PROCEDURE FOR MOUNTING IN PARADE RING
The following procedures shall be adopted at all Racecourses.
Upon the official signal to mount, Riders shall be present in the parade ring and Trainers must ensure that the Rider mount the Horse on the walk without undue delay, ensuring the Horse continues to proceed around the parade ring. Horses shall not cross the parade ring except with the permission of an IHRB Official.
Trainers are responsible for all staff in ensuring they comply with all Rules, Regulations and Procedures.
Any Trainer or Rider who fails to comply, or whose conduct contributes to a failure to comply, shall be liable to sanction and such fine as deemed appropriate.
On the 3 September 2025, the Directors of the IHRB approved the following changes to Regulation 10 (page 180/181) which will become effective on 4 September 2025:
HELMETS (former Skull Caps)
All Helmets must comply with at least two different international helmet testing standards and carry evidence of quality testing from recognised organisations’. Further guidance on approved standards and testing requirements is available at www.ihrb.ie/jockey-safety-information
All Riders, when mounted on a Horse, must wear a Helmet that:
- It is of the correct size for the Rider, in serviceable condition, with the chin strap properly adjusted and always fastened when mounted.
- Must not have a chin cup, cradle, or draw lace; the chin strap must pass under the jaw and be secured by a quick-release buckle. Metal hooks are expressly forbidden.
- Any Helmet subjected to severe impact, or worn by a Rider who has suffered concussion, must be replaced.
An IHRB Medical Officer or the Chief Medical Officer may direct replacement after inspection.
On the 3 September 2025, the Directors of the IHRB approved the following changes to Definitions and Academy Hurdles which will become effective on 3 September 2025:
Rule 1 (ii) Definitions
"Academy Hurdle" is a hurdle race confined to 3yo horses that have not run in any Race other than such a race or a Junior N. H. Hurdle in Great Britain as a 3yo.
"Irish National Hunt Flat Race" (which may be referred to and known as an I.N.H. Flat Race) is a Flat Race run under the I.N.H.S. Rules (see Rules 79 and 181).
"Maiden"
- for Races under the Rules of Racing is a Horse which has not won a Flat Race under any recognised Rules of Racing;
- for Races under the I.N.H.S. Rules is a Horse which has not won a Steeplechase or Hurdle Race other than an Academy Hurdle or Junior N.H. Hurdle in Great Britain as a 3yo, an I.N.H. Flat Race or National Hunt Flat Race, a match or private sweepstakes, or a Steeplechase at a Point to Point Meeting, at any Recognised Meeting in any country. Unless otherwise stated a maiden means a maiden at the time of starting.
Please note: while no amendment to the Novice Definition at link https://www.ihrb.ie/raceday on the website is currently required, there will be an amendment required in future, starting from the 2026/2027 NH season.