The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) can confirm that Wednesday’s Jump fixture at Worcester Racecourse will be staged earlier in the day due to the forecast high temperatures.

With temperatures set to peak later in the day, the fixture will now begin at 10:30 instead of 14:39. Races will be held at 30-minute intervals, with the final race taking place at 13:00 instead of 17:17.

Only one race at the fixture will be permitted to divide (down from two), and if there is a division the additional race will be held at 10:00.

The running order has also been adjusted to allow the longer races to take place earlier in the card.

The decision to move this fixture earlier in the day has been made in conjunction with Worcester to support the welfare of all equine and human participants.

The BHA will continue to liaise with racecourses hosting fixtures in the coming days to consider any mitigations that may be necessary to reduce the risk of heat stress to horses and humans servicing the fixture in accordance with the BHA Hot Weather Policy.

Each fixture will be managed on a case-by-case basis, considering several factors including the local weather forecast.

Further updates to fixtures taking place this week will be issued as necessary in due course.