A BOMBSHELL rule change could soon shake up racing - with British bosses targeting the powerhouse Irish yards of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott.
Top figures have been sounded out about reducing the number of runners any one trainer is allowed in a race.
The Racing Post report that under the new proposals, which are still very much in the consultation phase, a trainer would not be allowed to declare more than four runners in the big handicaps over jumps and on the Flat.
Mullins and Elliott will be the trainers hit hardest.
Elliott had six runners in this year's Grand National and seven in 2022, while Mullins had five this year.
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Cullentra boss Elliott came under fire last month for entering 17 runners in one race, with punters complaining 'the sport is broken'.
He declared 14 of the 20 Troytown Chase runners in the end and had four of the first five finishers, including winner Coko Beach.
The duo have also dominated the big handicap races at Cheltenham Festival - with Elliott entering six in this year's Martin Pipe alone.
Although nothing is set in stone, the plan, if approved, could come into place before April's Grand National.
Bosses have already made five key changes to the world's most famous race, most notably slashing the number of runners from 40 to 34.
Irish trainers have won four of the past five Grand Nationals.
A BHA spokesperson told the Racing Post: "From time to time the BHA will contact stakeholders for views on various issues.
"We would not comment on speculation around private discussions."
Elliott has previously defended having so many runners in races, saying his duty is to the owners.
It is thought that the new plan, if approved, would not introduce a limit on how many horses one owner could run in Class 1 or 2 handicaps.
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The proposed rule change was met with a mixed response from punters.
One said it was 'typical nonsense from the BHA' while another claimed it would be 'unfair' on top trainers who people want to have horses with.
However, one punter said: "About time, they should also look at how many horses one owner can enter in a race."
Speaking on Nick Luck's podcast after the it emerged the BHA were looking for people's views on the proposal, Elliott said making the change would be 'lunacy'.
He said: "Obviously it's a worry. I think it's a massive worry for the owners as much as anyone.
"These are the people investing a lot of money into the game.
"I didn't break any rules in the Troytown.
"It's massive to support these races. You see the problem in the UK with small fields and I wouldn't want that happening in Ireland.
"I think this could be lunacy if they bring in a rule like this."
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