The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has responded to criticism of how the stewards handled the aftermath of the stalls incident involving Benvenuto Cellini at Epsom on Saturday, expressing the view that its rules “should be in line with the majority of the international racing community on this issue, rather than an outlier”.Aidan O'Brien's Derby favourite was deemed not to have had a fair start after his near hind leg was briefly caught on the inside shelf of the stalls as the gates opened for the premier Classic, causing him to slightly miss the break.The son of Frankel proceeded to pass the post a distant 10th behind stablemate Christmas Day, before he was subsequently declared a non-runner by the stewards, which resulted in backers of the winner suffering a 25p Rule 4 deduction, albeit that was waived by several bookmakers.The new rule which allowed the officials to make such a judgement was brought in following an incident at Royal Ascot in 2018 when Harry Angel got his leg caught up in the stalls just as the field was let go in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.The ruling states that stewards can declare a horse a non-runner if they are “denied a fair start and its chances are materially affected”.A blog published by the BHA on Monday read, “The incident we witnessed on Saturday is probably the most extreme test of this rule imaginable, involving the heavily backed favourite in the Derby. We entirely understand the frustrations of those who were affected by the Rule 4 deduction, and the impact on bookmakers.“However, this must be balanced against the impact on those who had backed the horse and were denied a fair start, which is who this rule was brought in to protect.“In 2018, a remarkably similar incident occurred involving favourite Harry Angel in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. While it is fair to say the Harry Angel incident was more pronounced in nature, the principle was very similar.“This incident occurred prior to this rule being in place, and Harry Angel therefore had to count as a runner. This led to significant, sustained criticism and complaint from media and punters alike regarding the unfairness that a horse should be deemed a runner when he had not been afforded an equal start and his chance in the race had been materially affected.“The fact is that there is no one set of rules which will be satisfactory for everyone in such a situation. We understand why those who are impacted by the incident on Saturday are disappointed. Equally, if this rule wasn't in place, then those who backed Benvenuto Cellini would have a right to feel aggrieved.“It is the view of the BHA, however, that we should be in line with the majority of the international racing community on this issue, rather than an outlier.”It added, “Some industry and betting stakeholders have suggested that the rule should now be reviewed. We will of course listen to any concerns which are raised and engage with those within the sport. Our rules are constantly under review and the same will apply here.”The post BHA: Benvenuto Cellini Call ‘Probably the Most Extreme Test of This Rule Imaginable’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.