The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today confirmed that the four Hurdle races scheduled to take place at Sandown Park’s fixture on Friday 6 February have been abandoned and replaced by four additional Steeple Chase contests.

With the Hurdles course currently Heavy (Waterlogged in places) and further rain forecast this week, the decision to abandon the Hurdle races and replace them with four Steeple Chases has been made, in agreement with the BHA Course Inspectorate, to ensure the fixture has the best possible chance of going ahead. The Chase course is currently Soft, Heavy in places, with isolated waterlogged areas, which will be monitored through the week.

The Grade 2 Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices Hurdle will be rescheduled to run at Warwick on Saturday 7 February.

The race conditions for the four additional Steeple Chases will be available to view on Racing Admin this afternoon, and, along with the Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices Hurdle, will close for entries at 12pm tomorrow (Tuesday 3 February). Declarations will be taken at the 48-hour stage.