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An obstacle hits an obstacle & a new kind of hurdle

(Haven’t written a blogpost in ages primarily due to exams and new role with The Oxford Student paper and am considering doing something a bit different online with a variety of options, not just about racing. I would apologise but doubt anyone cares!)

But as a sort of postscript to my last post on the plastic hurdles in use in Ireland but not in Britain, the Galway Hurdle earlier today was run over Easyfix hurdles and seems to be the biggest race to be run over them so far and has done so since 2009. 20 ran and the fact that the type of hurdles has hardly been mentioned suggests there is no real issue with them from trainers.

Since then a spokesman for the BHA told me Britain probably won’t be seeing them in use due to safety concerns.

 “Our Veterinary team liaised closely with their Irish Turf Club counterparts over 3 years (2008-10) whilst the Easyfix hurdles were being used on a growing number of Irish racecourses.

 We looked at the faller/injury statistics that these 3 years of racing generated and compared it to our traditional timber hurdles data in GB as well as the brush hurdles that are used at Southwell/Worcester and Haydock. 

 (NB The Easyfix hurdle was also subject to some modifications in Ireland during this period.)

 Ultimately, towards the end of 2010 and having compared the statistics, BHA took the view that it would not authorize the use of Easyfix hurdles on GB licensed racecourses (not that any were actively seeking such authorization) as the Ire faller/injury rates were both higher when compared to our 5 year rolling averages.  The manufacturer was informed and accepted our position.”

Most intriguingly was this suggestion that a different model – one which would fall over but not expose horses to any cuts or scrapes timber may provide:

“We currently have a variation of the traditional timber hurdle on trial with a number of trainers.  It comprises a single moulded foam pad that covers the entire existing frame.  We are looking at a possible racecourse trial later this year, depending on user feedback.”

Something to look out for perhaps…