In light of the weather forecast for this weekend, which predicts significant periods of sub-zero temperatures that could cause disruption to the scheduled Jump fixtures, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) can confirm that an additional Jumpers’ Bumper fixture will take place on the All-Weather at Southwell on Sunday 3 December.

The fixture will be a seven-race card and entries will close at 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), with declarations to be made by 10am on Friday. Race details will be available later this afternoon.

In addition, three Steeple Chases at Carlisle on Sunday have been abandoned, with two additional Hurdle races programmed to create a six-race card. The additional races will close for entry at 12 noon tomorrow, with declarations by 10am on Friday along with the rest of the card.

Due to the significant cost to everyone involved in the sport of weekend days without sufficient fixtures, the BHA explored the feasibility of staging additional Flat fixtures this weekend. However, having considered feedback from across the sport and the practical implications of doing so, it has been determined that these fixtures should not take place during the full Flat code break. This is vital to support our participant’s welfare and protect the opportunity for them to have their break after a busy season of Flat racing, especially following what has already been a period of adding in a high volume of additional All-Weather fixtures.

In addition, it is also not possible to add a Jumpers’ Bumper fixture on Saturday due to the logistical challenges of servicing an additional fixture of this kind with four Jump meetings already scheduled to take place in Britain.

Notes to editors:

1. For further information please contact the BHA Racing Department on 0207 152 0050 or via [email protected].