France Galop Updates the Code of Flat and National Hunt Racing: Welfare and Simplification

France Galop has published a major update to the Code of Flat Racing in its Official Bulletin No. 16 bis, dated August 27, 2025. These changes, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, will take effect on September 1, 2025, unless otherwise specified.

Key Reforms

1. Administrative Modernization

• Simplified licensing procedures
• Replacement of “stud-book” with “genealogical book” (EU Regulation 2016/1012)
• Increased limit of leased horses for permit trainers (from 2 to 3)
• Mandatory notification to France Galop when a horse is entered in a sale while also engaged in a race
• Ban on amateur riders using jockey agents
• Removal of outdated references (e.g., military service exemptions)

2. Enhanced Equine Welfare

• Explicit ban on prolonged water restriction
• Extended withdrawal periods after injections:
  • 30 days for intra-articular glucocorticoids
  • 14 days for biological infiltrations
• Legal consequences clarified: indictment or conviction leads to suspension of access and license

3. Legal and Procedural Clarifications

• Revised rules on co-ownership and leasing contracts
• Updated training and riding authorizations
• Streamlined documentation requirements