Owners and trainers warn two-year-old rules discriminate against smaller yards

Owners and trainers have called for a rethink to the proposal by the BHA to let a select group of handlers nominate certain two-year-olds to be given priority against elimination from races during the first eight days of racing's resumption.

The move was put forward last week by the BHA as part of its resumption planning in an attempt to help ensure the juvenile races at Royal Ascot, which is scheduled to take place from June 16-20, feature the best horses from the age group despite the short turnaround.

However, trainers Gay Kelleway and Bryan Smart, as well as owner Thomas Bownes, have expressed their concerns at the decision, believing it is elitist, unfair and risks sending the wrong message to those involved in the sport and those potentially looking to become owners.