Can a horse be scratched on race day?

Once final declarations close, a horse that has not been scratched is a runner. Under Rule 53.3 of the NHA Rules of Racing it can only be scratched after that:

• with the stipendiary stewards' permission (for example on veterinary grounds, requested in writing);
• if it becomes ineligible under the race conditions;
• if the race date, venue or distance changes;
• if the horse's vaccination or passport rules are not met by the time it must be on course;
• if its racing equipment is found to be defective.

A horse scratched on veterinary grounds is automatically suspended from racing for 8 days, counted inclusively from the race date, although the stewards may lift this in special circumstances after a vet examination (Rule 53.5).

An owner may also ask to scratch a horse because of the track condition, but the stewards only allow this where the horse has a demonstrated history of unsoundness or of not handling that type of going (Rule 53.10).