UNSAFE ground conditions have wiped out two jumps season openers – while a third at Kempton could also bite the bullet.
The first National Hunt fixtures of the new campaign at Exeter and Wincanton have sadly been cancelled.
Exeter was due to welcome punters back on Thursday, October 15 but bosses have been forced to axe the meeting.
Two additional fixtures at Fontwell and Perth on the same day have been added as replacements.
Worryingly, Exeter’s second fixture, scheduled for October 20, could also be canned.
The track has ‘limited watering capacity’ and there is very little rain in the near and long-term forecast.
With that in mind, a statement from The Jockey Club said: “Conditions are unlikely to improve sufficiently to provide safe ground for racing.”
Elsewhere, Wincanton’s first meeting of the season on Sunday, October 25, is gone.
It has instead been switched to Market Rasen on the same date where racing has taken place safely throughout the summer.
King George venue Kempton – which hosts Flat racing throughout the summer on its all-weather track – could lose their first meeting.
A Sunday fixture set for October 18 is currently ‘under review’ with the ground not safe for racing currently.
“We have taken the opportunity to replace Exeter with a fixture at Fontwell Park, as well as adding an extra fixture into the programme at Perth to make use of their track following their summer season.
“We expect both tracks to be able to offer ground on the easier side of good.
“We continue to work with racecourses to support the delivery of the jumping programme, however as we enter October with still no significant rain in the forecast, we expect that challenge to get harder before it gets easier.
“We will continue to show flexibility where necessary and will announce further plans as soon as we are able to.”
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our .
