The BHA has announced the results of the survey and re-measurement of every jump racecourse in Britain. The measurement involved a new methodology as explained by the BHA:
"Jump races were previously measured along the mid-point of the course using a surveyors wheel, but under the agreed new methodology have been measured along a line 2yds off the innermost running rail position and professionally surveyed to the nearest yard.
The result is that, as of the implementation date of 1 June 2015, all Jump race distances will be advertised using both the traditional description – rounded to the nearest half furlong – alongside a new, exact ‘baseline’ distance, described to the exact yardage."
From 1 June 2015 the new race distances will be stated "using both the traditional description – rounded to the nearest half furlong – alongside a new, exact ‘baseline’ distance, described to the exact yardage."
BHA Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation Jamie Stier explained:
“This project was instigated to bring the measurement of Jump races in line with the methodology already used to measure Flat races, and ensure greater accuracy of Jump race distances.
“This new methodology will improve the quality and quantity of data we provide our participants and the increased accuracy will be of benefit to trainers, jockeys, owners and betting customers. It has been an extensive project and not without cost to racecourses, so we thank them for their involvement.”
New jump racecourse distances:
http://www.britishhorseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Jump-distance-changes-1-June-2015.pdf
