Changes to headgear rules

The Turf Club have announced a change to the rules regarding the declaration of headgear.

At present, the only option available to trainers when declaring headgear is to declare blinkers or sheepskin cheekpieces.

Blinkers also currently covers visors, hoods, pacifiers and eye-shields, but the Stewards of the Governing Bodies have approved a change.

When the new rules become operational, trainers will be required to declare the exact type of headgear or combinations of headgear that will be used.

Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan said: “In making the change the Stewards felt that it was important that everyone is aware of the exact type of headgear that is being used and the new rules will provide this clarity.”