BHA error leads to four horses carrying incorrect weights in York handicap

Four horses in York's opening handicap on Saturday carried incorrect weights due to an error within the race conditions by the BHA.

The 7f contest (1.40) changed its entry conditions this year to allow horses rated from 86 to 110 to compete, having been only eligible for those rated from 91 to 110 last year.

However, the BHA failed to note the new ratings in the race conditions, which left four horses running from out of the handicap and carrying higher weights than intended.

Northern Express carried 9st 2lb rather than 8st 13lb but was still sent off 10-3 favourite. He finished sixth, while Aleezdancer, who carried 1lb more than his correct weight of 8st 4lb, fared best of the quartet in third beaten a neck and a neck in a tight finish.

Fifth Swiss Ace and last-placed Snash, who raced off 2lb and 3lb more than they should have, were the other runners affected.

All trainers were notified of the error but due to it being noticed after 9am on the day of declarations, no weights were able to be amended.

The BHA said: "Trainers have been offered the opportunity to declare their horses a non-runner and informed that the owners' entry fees would be reimbursed should they decide not to run.

"There will be a review of the circumstances that led to this error and the BHA apologises to the owners, trainers, jockeys and anyone else affected."

Saturday's big-race previews:

2.35 Haydock: 'The favourite will take a lot of beating' – trainer quotes for a hot handicap

3.10 Haydock: 'I can't wait to run him' – trainers on their top Sandy Lane contenders

3.20 Curragh: Charlie Appleby on Native Trail's chances in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh

3.45 Haydock: can Nunthorpe winner Winter Power produce her best away from York?

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