- BHA say Benvenuto Cellini ruling an extreme test rather than new precedent
- Had the starter known the horse was on three legs, he would not have started the race
- BHA rules remain under constant review
The BHA has published a detailed defence of the Derby non-runner decision, saying Benvenuto Cellini was denied a fair start and that the case does not widen the rule beyond its intended scope.
BHA says Benvenuto Cellini Derby ruling was extreme test rather than new precedent
The British Horseracing Authority has moved to draw a firmer line under the Benvenuto Cellini Derby controversy, publishing a detailed explanation of why the colt was declared a non-runner after Saturday’s Classic at Epsom Racecourse.
The regulator said the incident was “probably the most extreme test” of the rule, but rejected the suggestion that it creates a dangerous new precedent for horses who simply rear, stumble or miss the break after the stalls open.
Benvenuto Cellini, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, finished tenth behind stablemate Christmas Day in the Betfred Derby before the stewards ruled that he had not been afforded a fair start.
The decision came after the panel considered evidence that his left hind leg had been caught in an elevated position on the stall running board shortly before the start of the live ITV Racing contest.
WATCH: The Benvenuto Cellini Epsom Derby Incident
Why the BHA defended the call
On Monday, the BHA blog said the rule was introduced from May 1, 2024 to align British racing with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities model rule and with practice in other major racing jurisdictions.
The key distinction, according to the regulator, is timing.
The BHA argued Benvenuto Cellini’s issue happened before the starting mechanism was operated, leaving the horse physically unable to begin on equal terms.
That differs from a horse rearing or behaving awkwardly after the gates open, which the BHA said would not normally trigger the same response.
The stewards’ enquiry was held immediately after the race, with evidence taken from the starter, veterinary officer and rider.
The BHA said the panel reached a unanimous decision that the colt had been prevented from starting equally and that his chance had been materially affected.
The regulator also said that, had the starter known the horse was effectively on three legs, he would not have started the race.
In that scenario, Benvenuto Cellini would have been released, checked by a veterinary officer and reloaded if safe to do so.
Consistency question addressed
Much of the reaction since Saturday has centred on whether the decision will now alter how similar incidents are handled across ordinary racedays.
The BHA said the rule has already been applied six times in 2026, including at Yarmouth, Windsor, Kempton, Southwell and Exeter as well as Epsom.
That point is central to the regulator’s defence. It argues the Derby decision was not made because the race was high profile, nor because television pictures made the incident easier to scrutinise.
The BHA said the stewards relied on the available stewarding cameras and the evidence heard during the enquiry, while ITV footage arrived after the process was already under way.
While the Racing Post also noted the BHA’s view that if Benvenuto Cellini had won, his chance could not clearly have been materially affected in the same way. If a horse in a similar position were placed, the stewards would consider all relevant factors before deciding whether the rule applied.
Rule review remains possible
The BHA ended its explanation by saying its rules remain under constant review and that it will listen to concerns raised by racing and betting stakeholders.
That is not the same as signalling an immediate reversal. The regulator said it stands by the stewards’ decision and the intention of the rule as framed.
For now, the governing body’s position is clear: Benvenuto Cellini’s case sits inside the rule because the problem occurred before the start was enacted and materially compromised his opportunity to break on equal terms.
The wider question is whether that explanation is enough to settle a debate that has quickly become one of the biggest regulatory flashpoints of the Flat season.
Key facts
- Horse: Benvenuto Cellini
- Race: 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom
- Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- Jockey: Ryan Moore
- Initial finishing position: tenth behind Christmas Day
- Regulatory decision: declared a non-runner after a stewards’ enquiry
- Rule involved: BHA Rule (H)6 on horses denied a fair start
- BHA’s new position: the Derby incident was an extreme test of the rule but not a dangerous precedent
- Fresh development: BHA published a detailed blog on June 8 explaining the rationale and consistency of the decision
