Rules of racing & raceday procedures

TRAINING (International Horses)

Times

Quarantine Training Track: 07:00 - 09:30

Sand & Fibre Main Track: 08:20 - 09:30

Turf Track: Will be available on the Tuesday when a horse is declared for that week’s racing. The turf will be available from 08:20 - 09:30.

*Please note for runners in the Bahrain International Trophy access to the turf will be available more frequently.

Skull Caps and Safety Vests

Any person who rides a horse on REHC property must wear an approved skull cap and safety vest, which are in good condition.

A Trainer is responsible for ensuring that any Apprentice Jockey, groom, or another person who rides a horse under their care wears an approved skull cap and safety vest, which are in good condition. Skull caps must be correctly fastened and adjusted.

RACEDAY PROCEDURES & EQUIPMENT

Licensing

Connections will run under their own national licences and Jockeys will need clearances from their national governing body. Email clearance to be sent to Hussain Ali, hussain.ali@rehc.gov.bh

Jockeys not licensed by the Authority and who intend to ride in a Race must submit a clearance certificate to the Clerk of the Scales from the recognised racing authority where they last rode.

In the absence of a clearance certificate, a foreign Jockey may be granted a licence by the Stewards on the submission of an affidavit. It is the Jockey’s responsibility to be familiar with the REHC Rules of Racing.

Grooms

All grooms and handlers must wear suitable footwear when trotting horses up for inspection and when leading horses in the paddock.

Shoes and Shoeing

All horses must be fully shod with approved racing plates when entering the parade ring.

If you wish to check or use any other form of shoe/ shoeing, please contact the Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon (RVO).

Equine Racing Equipment

Headgear

The Trainer, or their representative, must state on the declaration form whether their horse is to run in a hood, blinkers, visor, eye shield or eye cover at declaration stage. If headgear has not been declared, it may be added or changed on the payment of a fine; changes can only be made up to 45 minutes before the Race time.

Horses declared to run in a hood, blinkers, visor, eye shield, eye cover or any combination thereof, must enter the parade ring or proceed to the start wearing the correct equipment. The Starter has the power to withdraw a horse with the incorrect declared equipment.

A Trainer may request permission for a horse to wear a red hood on the way to the start, but it must be removed before the horse is loaded into the stalls; or before the Starter calls in the horses. It must not be worn during the race.

Tongue Tie

The Trainer, or their representative, is responsible for declaring the use of a tongue-tie in a race on the declaration form, and this must be shown to the RVO for approval.

Lip Chains

Lip chains must be covered when worn on racecourse property and shown to the RVO for approval.

Ear Plugs

The Stewards must be informed if ear plugs are to be worn either on the way to the start, or in the race. Ear plugs must not be removed during the race.

For the full rules of racing please visit: d28qafuxp4ng49.cloudfront.net/documents/REHCRules-of-Racing.pdf