The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that two “jumpers’ bumpers” fixtures will take place at the end of this week in light of the prolonged spell of severe weather. Southwell will host a seven-race card on the afternoon of Friday 2 March, with Newcastle also hosting a seven-race card but on the afternoon of Saturday 3 March.
Entries for both fixtures will close at 12 noon tomorrow, Tuesday 27 February. Declarations for Southwell will be at the 24-hour stage as normal on Thursday 1 March with declarations for Newcastle at the 24-hour stage as normal on Friday 2 March.
Full race programme details for both fixtures will be available via the racing admin site, www2.racingadmin.co.uk.
Paul Johnson, Head of Racing at the BHA, said:
“Whilst it is usual to exercise caution in adding in jumpers’ bumpers, in order to try to protect field sizes at Jump fixtures that do go ahead, the likely loss of a majority of turf fixtures for the remainder of the week combined with only limited scope to add further Flat all-weather fixtures are circumstances in which we feel justified in adding them.
“Hopefully they will provide an opportunity for those horses that are ready to run, as well as keeping the show on the road for the betting public.
“Our thanks go to the Horserace Betting Levy Board for their continued support and Arena Racing Company for their assistance in scheduling these extra fixtures.”
Notes to editors:
- For further information on the either of the items above please contact the BHA Racing Department on 0207 152 0050 or via [email protected].
