The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today confirmed that the two Steeple Chases scheduled to take place at Exeter’s fixture on Thursday 9 October have been abandoned and will be replaced by a Hurdle race and National Hunt Flat race.

The decision to abandon the two Chases has been taken in agreement with the BHA Inspectorate to allow Exeter the opportunity concentrate their watering efforts on the Hurdle course.

The two new races will create a six-race card, for which entries will close at noon on Friday 3 October.

Jason Loosemore, Clerk of the Course at Exeter, said:

“Despite the outlook for rain over the next couple of days, this decision has been taken with full support from the BHA Inspectorate.

“With the ground at present Good to Firm, Firm in places, it was felt that rainfall volumes would be insufficient to make the improvement necessary to the Steeple Chase course. In abandoning these two races, all resources will be concentrated on the Hurdle course.”