The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today confirmed that Southwell’s Jump Fixture on Thursday 25 July will have a first race time of 11:25am, with the last of the seven races at 2:30pm.

The decision has been taken in conjunction with Arena Racing Company (ARC) to move the card to earlier in the day so racing has concluded by mid to late afternoon, where forecast temperatures are expected to increase.

As such, the races will be at the following times:

11.25am
11.55am
12.30pm
1.00pm
1.30pm
2.00pm
2.30pm

Race order, conditions and declarations will remain unaffected.

As was the case with Southwell’s fixture on 23 July, there will be additional supplies of cold water as well as cooling fans to ensure horses can be cooled down quickly and effectively post-race as well as temporary facilities to provide more shaded areas on site.

Paul Johnson, Head of Racing at the BHA, said:

“We are grateful for the understanding of trainers, jockeys, owners and stable staff regarding the change of start time for this fixture. The welfare of all our participants must come first and, as the only jump fixture on a day when temperatures are due to get very high, we have taken this precautionary step in the interests of the health and wellbeing of our horses.”