The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) can confirm that Exeter’s fixture on Friday 11 April has been moved to Huntingdon, with the exception of the Globe Inn Chudleigh D&C Intermediate Series Final Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 4), which will now take place at Wincanton on Wednesday 16 April.
This decision has been made due to the current limited watering capacity at Exeter, which has been fully utilised to provide safe ground for the racecourse’s previous three fixtures during a period of prolonged dry weather.
By staging The Globe Inn Chudleigh D&C Intermediate Series Final Hunters’ Steeple Chase at Wincanton, the race has been retained in the south-west where the series qualifiers have taken place.
All horse qualified for the original race at Exeter will also be considered qualified for the transferred race at Wincanton on 16 April. Existing entries for the race will be transferred automatically to the Wincanton race, but can be cancelled up until the close of entries on 10 April.
Entries for the six-race Huntingdon fixture on 11 April will close as normal at noon on 5 April.
Matthew Woolston, Assistant Racing Director at The Jockey Club said:
“Following a prolonged period of dry weather and a limited ability to water, Exeter Racecourse is now unable to provide safe ground for racing on Friday 11 April. Exeter has been watering for a month to provide safe ground for their previous three fixtures. Unfortunately, the limited watering capacity has now been exhausted and, taking into account the dry forecast for the upcoming week, the fixture will be transferred to Huntingdon.
“Irrigation on the racing surface at Huntingdon has also been taking place on a regular basis since their previous meeting on the 19 March and there is sufficient water remaining as they prepare for Easter Saturday. Their current going is ‘Good’ and they will continue their watering programme ahead of next week.”
Notes to editors:
1. For further information please contact the BHA Racing Department on 0207 152 0050 or via [email protected].
