The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa

09/10/2026

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Did you know that a Thoroughbred racehorse’s oxygen uptake can increase to around 40 times its resting level during maximal exercise? 🤯

At full gallop, a horse can move more than 1 400 litres of air through its respiratory system every minute, with breathing rates exceeding 100 breaths per minute!

This extraordinary respiratory capacity helps deliver oxygen to working muscles and remove carbon dioxide, supporting the huge energy demands of racing. 🐎💨

Elite equine athletes truly are remarkable!

09/10/2026

🏇 | We want to hear YOUR story! 🐴

From the racetrack to a new adventure! ❤️

Has your retired racehorse found success in a second career? Whether they’re excelling in showjumping, dressage, eventing, or simply enjoying life as a much-loved companion, we’d love to celebrate your journey together!

Here’s how to share your story:

• Send us an email with a story of no more than 300 words.
• Include two clear photos of you and your retired racehorse.

Your story could be featured in our series and inspire others to give retired racehorses the opportunity to thrive beyond the racetrack.

The NHA supports the Responsible Rehoming of Retiring Racehorses ( ). Let’s celebrate the many wonderful second careers our former racehorses go on to enjoy! 🐴💙

08/10/2026

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Not every horse that is slow out of the Starting Stalls is considered a Non-Runner.

Inexperienced horses may initially leave the stalls slowly when they first start racing, even if they hold a valid Starting Stall Certificate. This may be recorded in the Stipendiary Stewards’ Report as “slow into stride”. If the horse does not improve in subsequent starts, the Starter may advise the Trainer that the horse requires further schooling.

A horse may also fail to jump on terms with the field because it has been accidentally impeded, or because of its own behaviour or the actions of its Rider.

So, what determines whether a horse is declared a Non-Runner?

A horse will be declared a Non-Runner, provided it does not finish in the first four placings, if it is accidentally:

• Impeded by a Handler;
• Affected by equipment used at the Starting Stalls that has not been removed before, or as, the gates open; or
• Impeded by a failure or defect of the Starting Stall in which the horse is loaded.

However, a horse will not be declared a Non-Runner if it fails to jump on terms with the field due to its own behaviour or actions.

The distinction is important: not every slow start or incident at the gates qualifies a horse to be declared a Non-Runner.

06/10/2026

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Why does a horse automatically receive an 8-day suspension when it is scratched from a race for a veterinary-related reason?

Under Rule 53.5, a horse scratched for a veterinary-related reason is automatically suspended from racing for 8 days, calculated inclusively from the day of the race from which it was scratched.

This applies to veterinary-related scratchings including, but not limited to:

🐴 Lameness or injury
🍽️ Not eating or being off its feed
🌡️ An abnormal temperature
🏇 Insufficient work
⏱️ Insufficient recovery time following a previous race

The purpose of the rule is to provide a period of time for the horse to recover, be appropriately assessed and, where necessary, receive veterinary treatment before returning to racing.

There are, however, specific circumstances in which the 8-day suspension may be lifted.

Want to know when an 8-day suspension can be lifted and what requirements need to be met?

You can find the full requirements here ➡️ https://www.nhra.co.za/index.php/equine-welfare-veterinary/welfare-regulations/suspensions

04/10/2026

The 60th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA) will be held in Paris on 5 October. Marking a significant milestone for the IFHA, this year’s Conference will reflect on six decades of international cooperation and achievement while exploring the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for global racing.

The keynote address will be delivered by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and sports television presenter Rishi Persad will serve as the moderator for the Conference.

Read more: https://www.ifhaonline.org/Default.asp?section=Resources&area=0&story=1234

04/10/2026

02/10/2026

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Did you know that a horse’s breathing is closely linked to its stride when cantering or galloping?

This is known as locomotor-respiratory coupling. During these faster gaits, horses typically breathe at a ratio of approximately one breath per stride.

The movement of the body helps drive this synchronisation. As the forelimbs extend and the rib cage expands, the horse inhales. As the forelimbs bear weight, the thorax and abdominal contents are compressed, helping to drive exhalation.

At the walk and trot, breathing is generally less closely linked to the stride, giving horses more flexibility in their breathing pattern. However, stride-linked breathing can still occur at the trot in some circumstances.

This close connection between movement and respiration is one of the fascinating adaptations that helps horses meet the demands of high-speed exercise. 🐎💨

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

NOTICE ON THE USE OF BISPHOSPHONATES IN THE RACEHORSE FROM 2027 ONWARDS

A reminder to all Stakeholders that the use of Bisphosphonates in racehorses will be banned from 1 January 2027.

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) advised that, from 1 January 2027, the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (IABRW, Article 6) will contain a total ban on bisphosphonates (BPs) administration to racehorses.

This ban will correspondingly be adopted by the NHA on 1 January 2027.

Racehorses treated with bisphosphonates on or after 1 January 2027 will be subject to a minimum six-month ban from racing.

You can read the full notice here ➡️ https://www.nhra.co.za/index.php/general-notice/1132-notice-on-the-use-of-bisphosphonates-in-the-racehorse-from-2027-onwards

28/09/2026