BHA Confirms All-Hurdle Card at Taunton Racecourse

We made changes in the event. Now it is the British Horse Racing Authority that will supervise the event. Two Steeple Chases originally scheduled for the meeting have been removed. In their place, a 2-mile 3-furlong 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle and a 2-mile National Hunt Flat race have been added to the card.

This update means the horse racing fixture will now consist entirely of National Hunt Flat race. The adjusted programme features six races in total, with the possibility of dividing one race to create a seven-race card. Entries for all races will close at noon on Thursday, 17 April.

The decision was made in response to recent weather conditions and concerns about the ground on the chase course. With limited rainfall in recent weeks, the surface has not been suitable for safe jump racing over fences. By removing the chases, Taunton racecourse staff can now concentrate on maintaining the Hurdle track.

This change is aimed at helping the meeting proceed as scheduled. With fewer areas requiring preparation and watering, the course team at Taunton Racecourse can manage resources more efficiently. The adjustment also lowers the risk of late cancellations and helps trainers plan with greater certainty.

Taunton racecourse officials have supported the move and are working alongside the BHA to finalise arrangements. The updated race list provides opportunities for horses that may not have qualified or been suited to the original chase events. The 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle offers a chance for developing horses to gain more experience. The 2-mile National Hunt Flat race is suitable for younger horses or those just starting.

For trainers and owners, the revised programme opens different entry routes. It also gives them added flexibility to run horses on ground more appropriate for their individual needs. National Hunt Flat race generally place less demand on the surface than chase fences, which also helps maintain consistency across the meeting.

The horse racing fixture remains part of the National Hunt calendar and continues to attract attention from stables in the region. Despite the seasonal shift toward the National Hunt Flat race campaign, midweek jump horse racing fixtures like this still hold value, especially for smaller yards and those preparing horses for summer jumps.

The BHA has continued to monitor weather and course conditions across the country and has supported similar changes at other horse racing fixtures. While these adjustments do alter the structure of a race day, they help avoid last-minute disruptions. Trainers and racegoers are encouraged to check updates regularly and review race conditions ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Taunton racecourse’s spring horse racing fixtures often present challenges with ground conditions, and this year has been no exception. The racecourse team has worked steadily to maintain the track through a period of limited rainfall. With the chase fences now removed from the equation, attention shifts solely to preparing a suitable surface for the remaining events.

Taunton racecourse’s meeting on Wednesday, 23 April, will now feature six races made up of hurdles and one National Hunt Flat race. The two planned Steeple Chases have been withdrawn and replaced by a 2 m3f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle and a 2m National Hunt Flat race. A seventh race may be added depending on entry numbers. Entries will close at noon on Thursday, 17 April.

The revised card reflects ongoing adjustments made to support scheduling during spring, when changing ground conditions often require prompt decisions. The BHA and Wednesday’s Taunton Racecourse will be posting details about races in the days leading up to the races.