The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that the fixture due to take place at Hereford on Tuesday 17 October has been transferred to Worcester.
This is due to the likelihood of unsuitable ground at Hereford, where the going is currently firm. There is a dry weather forecast and limited capacity to water.
The card will reflect the races programmed for Hereford with race distances adjusted to Worcester’s race starts and safety factors where necessary.
Entries for Hereford will not stand and Trainers wishing to enter the races at Worcester must do so by noon on Saturday, 14 October and declare as normal at the 24-hour stage on Monday, 16 October.
Full details and race conditions can be found on the BHA Racing Admin site, www2.racingadmin.co.uk.
The BHA has requested that Worcester take all reasonable measures to ensure suitable going at Tuesday’s fixture following the high non-runner rate at its fixture on Thursday 12 October.
Emma Marley, the BHA’s Head of Raceday Operations, said:
“Unfortunately due to Hereford’s restricted irrigation capacity, warm and dry weather forecast for this weekend and likelihood of hard going, the fixture due to take place there on 17 October has now been transferred to Worcester.
“Understandably this transfer may raise questions due to Worcester’s high non-runner rate following quick ground experienced on Thursday 12 October.
“However, under the circumstances it was clear that the most sensible option was to re-stage the fixture as nearby as possible.
“The track is presently watering ahead of Tuesday and it is our expectation and belief that suitable ground will be provided for runners on Tuesday.”
Jon Pullin, Racing Director at Arena Racing Company, said:
“The forecast was for between 3-18mm rainfall this week but Hereford has had none and it is due to remain dry and windy in the coming days, with temperatures now forecast to reach 23 degrees from Sunday.
“We have been watering as much as possible (over 50mm recently) but currently have limited capacity to do so, and therefore cannot guarantee safe ground on Tuesday, especially when many winter jumping horses may be having their first run of the season.
“In announcing today that the fixture will move to Worcester we hope we have provided horsemen with enough time to change their plans if needed. With continued dry weather expected we have commenced watering today at Worcester to provide good jumping ground.
“We are at an advanced stage of commencing plans to ensure full watering capabilities at Hereford for the 2018-19 season and will provide an update in due course.
“Customers with tickets for Hereford’s fixture on Tuesday can transfer them and either attend racing at Worcester on 17 October or one of Hereford’s three fixtures in November and December. For further information please contact the Hereford team on 01432 273 560.”
Notes to editors:
1. Full race details and conditions can be found on the BHA Racing Admin site: www2.racingadmin.co.uk
2. For further information please contact the BHA Racing Department on 0207 152 0050 or [email protected].
3. For public enquiries, please contact Hereford Racecourse on 01432 273560.
