Leicester Racecourse is currently raceable but with a forecast of further rain ahead a provisional all-Chase card has been programmed for their fixture of December 28th. This will consist of the three Chases originally scheduled plus three additional Steeple Chase opportunities.

Clerk of the Course Jimmy Stevenson reported the going this morning to be Good to Soft (heavy on the flat crossings) on the Steeple Chase course and Heavy, Soft in places on the Hurdles course.

Jimmy Stevenson explained: “Further rain is forecast over the next three days, with dry weather after Monday. There is a slight risk that exceptionally heavy rain could give us problems on the Hurdles course, so I am pleased that the BHA Racing Department has framed three extra Steeple Chases in order to save the meeting. I am hopeful that the original mixed Chase and Hurdles card will go ahead as normal, but a final decision will be made on Wednesday, December 26th at 3pm.”

The provisional, additional Steeple Chases will close at noon on Saturday, December 22nd. Should these races subsequently be activated, they will close for declarations in line with the existing races at 10am on Thursday, December 27th. A provisional, revised running order and race conditions are outlined below.

01:10 52433 The Belvoir Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 4)
01:40 52439 The Kilby Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5)
02:10 52434 The Pat And Ken Payne Memorial Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4)
02:40 52431 The Leicestershire Silver Fox Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 4)
03:10 52437 The Glebe Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3)
03:40 52438 The Wigstone Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5)