The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today confirmed that the two Steeple Chases scheduled to take place at Fontwell’s fixture on Sunday 22 February have been abandoned and replaced by an additional Hurdle race.

The Chase course is currently unraceable and, with more rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday, there is no prospect of improvement.

Therefore the decision to abandon the Steeple Chases has been made in agreement with the BHA Inspectorate to give the fixture the best possible chance of going ahead. The Going on the Hurdles course is currently Soft, Heavy in places.

Entries for the additional race will close at 12noon tomorrow (Wednesday 18 February), with declarations taking place along with the rest of the card on Friday morning.

The fixture now will consist of six races (five hurdle contests and one National Hunt Flat Race), permitted to divide to seven.