The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today confirmed that the two Steeple Chases scheduled to take place at Taunton’s fixture on Wednesday 23 April have been abandoned and will be replaced with a 2m3f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle and 2m NHF race.

The decision to abandon the Steeple Chases gives Taunton the opportunity to concentrate all efforts, and available watering, on the Hurdle course to ensure the fixture has the best possible chance of going ahead.

The two new races will form a six-race card (which will carry the option to divide to seven), for which entries will close at noon on Thursday 17 April.