BHA Confirms Changes to Doncaster Fixtures on April 25-26

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has made changes to the Doncaster fixtures for 25 and 26 April, resulting from the round course issue, which has recently been described as unfit for several reasons, including an invasion of leatherjackets and an exceptionally dry spring, which have affected the ground so much. As a result, extensive renovation will now be necessary to bring the course back up to standard for racing use.

The round course at Doncaster Fixtures has suffered due to an infestation of leatherjackets, which was treated. Extended dry weather this spring has made conditions worse, and areas of the course have become unfit for racing. After reviewing the situation, the BHA Inspectorate have ruled that the round course is now unavailable for the forthcoming Doncaster Fixtures.

In light of these circumstances, the BHA has decided to modify the race programmes for the Doncaster Fixtures on April 25 and 26. These changes are necessary to maintain the safety and fairness of the racing events.

Due to the condition of the round course, six of the seven originally planned races on the round course for both Friday and Saturday will be cancelled. However, the BHA has confirmed that one race, Race 11766, will be moved from the round course to the straight mile on Friday, April 25.

To ensure that the Doncaster Fixtures still contain a full set of races, two new races will be added to each card, giving both days a total of six races. This will protect the scheduled events and ensure that the racing programme remains in order.

Despite the abandonment of six races, two of the affected events have been rescheduled for later dates, giving participants another chance to compete in these valuable races.

This race will be staged at the newly rescheduled location, Wetherby, on Sunday, 27 April. The purse for this event is still pegged at £8,500, and it will form part of an eight-race card at Wetherby. There will be no division applied to this race, thereby ensuring competitive entry. Race 11765 (Sky Sports Racing Virgin 535 Fillies’ Handicap, Class 5, 56-75, 1m 2f) has been relocated.

Originally scheduled for Doncaster Fixtures, this race will now take place at Southwell over the All-Weather surface on Premier Raceday on Sunday, April 27, Class 3, 71-90, Race 11771 (Sky Sports Racing Virgin 535 EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap, 1m 4f). The prize money goes up from £25,000 to £32,000, to match the other Premier races that day at Southwell.

This press release comes at a time when attention on the safety of both horses and jockeys is unprecedented. The change of Doncaster Fixtures, therefore, once again demonstrates the BHA’s continuing striving for high standards within the sport at all times in the face of all sorts of unforeseen events which might have repercussions for the safety of participants.

The successful postponement of two races duly confirms the flexibility of the racing calendar and other racecourses’ ability to adapt to these changes. Wetherby and Southwell have stepped up to accommodate the rescheduled races, which means the owners and trainers do still have an opportunity to run for valuable prize money.

In light of the future, BHA emphasised again that course conditions need to be monitored lest there be further hindrance to the running of races. Dry weather has been the major contributory factor to problems at Doncaster Fixtures, and thus, the BHA will keep a close eye on all racecourses to ensure proper conditions for future race meetings.

The issues will be carefully scrutinized by the sport’s observers to see exactly what impact change will have on the racing of the weekend. The BHA remains fully committed to providing a safe and fair environment for all parties to preserve the competition and enjoyment of the sport.

The British Horseracing Authority has declared alterations that affect the race schedule for Doncaster Fixtures on the 25th and 26th of April due to problems at the round course. While six races will be lost, one of the remedies to adapt to the situation has involved the shuffling of races onto the straight course, and now rescheduled two events for the 27th of April. It shows that the BHA is intent on safety and fairness in the sport. Despite these alterations, Wetherby and Southwell race events still see action and some valuable prize money this weekend.