Understanding BHA fence specifications is a basic requirement for anyone managing a National Hunt racecourse. The British Horseracing Authority’s General Instructions (BHAGI) set out what your fences and hurdles must look like, how many you need, and how they must be positioned. The relevant section is BHAGI 3.1, which is reviewed and updated periodically. What follows is a working summary. Always check the current edition before making purchasing or installation decisions.
Fence dimensions and construction
BHA fence specifications cover minimum heights, depths and construction standards. A plain fence must present a minimum height of three feet on the take-off side. Open ditches require a ditch of specified width and depth, with a guard rail to regulate the take-off point. Water jumps have their own specification covering the width of the water and the brush fence height on the take-off side.
Fences must be securely fixed or anchored to prevent movement under impact. Roll-on/roll-off designs are widely accepted, provided they meet the relevant dimensional requirements in the racing position. The BHA’s racecourse inspectors check fixing and stability during course walks.
Hurdle flights
The BHA requires a minimum number of hurdle flights based on race distance: at least one flight per quarter mile run. Minimum height requirements apply, and flights must be portable to allow repositioning between meetings. This distributes wear across the course and is a practical maintenance consideration as much as a regulatory one.
Hurdles must present a consistent height across the full width of each flight. Variable height within a single flight is not permitted. The brush or foam facing must be maintained in a condition that presents a consistent obstacle.
Pre-race inspection
The Clerk of the Course is responsible for confirming that every obstacle meets the required standard on raceday. This means checking structural integrity, the condition of brush or foam fill, PVC facings, guard rails and ditch boards. An inspection must take place by 08:00 the day before the meeting.
If a fence is found to be below standard on raceday and cannot be quickly repaired, the race may be amended or the obstacle omitted. Holding a stock of spare components and carrying out a thorough close season inspection significantly reduces that risk.
Where WF Racing fits in
WF Racing has supplied BHA-compliant fences and hurdles to National Hunt racecourses since 1993. If you are unsure whether existing equipment still meets current specification, or you are specifying new obstacles, give us a call. We can advise on what is required and supply to the standard needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BHAGI 3.1?
BHAGI 3.1 is Section 3.1 of the British Horseracing Authority’s General Instructions. It covers racecourse requirements including fence and hurdle specifications, course layout and pre-race inspection requirements. It is reviewed and updated periodically and is the primary compliance reference for Clerks of the Course and racecourse managers.
What height must a steeplechase fence be for National Hunt racing?
The BHA specifies that a plain fence must be a minimum of three feet in height measured on the take-off side. Open ditches and water jumps have additional dimensional requirements. Always check the current edition of BHAGI 3.1 for the full specification before ordering or installing fences.
How many hurdle flights are required in a National Hunt hurdle race?
The BHA requires at least one hurdle flight to be jumped per quarter mile of the race distance. The exact requirement for your fixture should be confirmed in the current edition of the BHAGI, as requirements can vary by race category.
Who is responsible for inspecting racecourse fences before a race?
The Clerk of the Course is responsible for confirming that all fences and hurdles meet BHA requirements before racing. An inspection must take place by 08:00 the day before the meeting. If a fence fails inspection and cannot be repaired in time, the race may be amended or the obstacle omitted.
Are roll-on/roll-off fences BHA approved?
Yes. Roll-on/roll-off fences are widely used and accepted at National Hunt racecourses, provided they meet the relevant BHA dimensional requirements when locked in the racing position and are stable under race conditions.
