Just two hours before declarations, Brighton’s opening meeting ceased to begin this morning. Despite identifying the issue a fortnight ago, the track was unable to get fit for racing.
In a statement on the Brighton racecourse website, they stated the meeting had been abandoned “due to damage to the racing surface.”
They continued: “The areas of concern were being well managed by our ground staff team ahead of the meeting through treatment to the track which had a positive and encouraging effect. We had also arranged movement of running rail lines and reduced the field size limits to counter the issues.
“However, the situation has worsened significantly overnight on Wednesday. To the extent that there are now damaged areas on the track that cannot be avoided.
“Safety always comes first, therefore we have been left with no option to abandon the race meeting. With the approval of the British Horseracing Authority Inspector of Courses.
“We are bitterly disappointed that our efforts have been in vain and would like to apologise for the inconvenience.”
“It’s unfortunate for owners who have waited for these races” – James Owen
132 entries were made for the opening card which has left many connections frustrated. Confidence in the regulatory bodies are already wearing thin, after Chelmsford had to abandon their Good Friday card after declarations. The BHA deemed the new licensee, Golden Mile Racing Limited, unfit for purpose. With two similar issues occurring in recent weeks, connections have aired their frustrations regarding the knock on effects.
James Owen was set to run four at the track, and has voiced his frustrations as he told the Racing Post: “I’m very disappointed. They obviously must have known about this before. For it to be called off so late in the day at the declarations stage. It’s unfortunate for owners who have waited for these races.
“We’re struggling to find new options for our runners. We’ve got horses heading to the next Brighton meeting. Now we’re looking in the programme and there’s not much about for those runners. We will have to travel up north with them. With the fuel crisis, the expense of petrol is going to put extra strain on owners. I don’t think it’s very good at all the way they’ve done it.
“If they had done it a bit earlier, why couldn’t these races have been moved to another track? They do not see the knock-on effect.
Communication regarding these track issues has to improve, as the logistical knock on effect is proving a damage to the business aspects of the yards affected.