Aintree’s Becher Chase fixture and Chepstow’s jumps card have been lost due to the impact of Storm Darragh, while Sandown’s Tingle Creek day will be subject to a second inspection at 9.30 after passing an initial look.
The seven-race fixture at Aintree had been due to feature the handicap chase over the famous Grand National fences, but the course was in a Met Office amber weather warning for wind and was due to inspect at 7am. However, with gusts reaching up to 60mph, officials have called off the meeting.
Aintree’s joint-clerk of the course Jon Pullin said: “We arrived at around 5.30am and it was calm then, but it picked up very quickly soon after then and it became obvious that we couldn’t race. Our main concern was about the wings of fences and the safety of people and we’d already started to see significant movement on the likes of wings of fences. It’s obviously disappointing not to race, but it was a clear decision.”
Aintree’s next fixture is set to take place on Boxing Day, but discussions will be had to see if the Becher Chase can be rescheduled.
Pullin added: “It’s too early to say if it can be rescheduled or not, but we’ll talk to the BHA in the week to see if there is the desire for it.”
Sandown’s Tingle Creek card passed its 7.30am inspection, but a second check has been scheduled for 9.30 with conditions monitored in the interim. Racing is due to start at 12.08.
Speaking at 7.35am, Sandown’s clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said: “With what we’ve had through the night and this morning we’ve had no issues so far – it’s just been blustery but no wind speeds in excess of 25mph – but we’re expecting it to change and get windier through the morning and for most of the day.
“We’re not quite sure of the timings of it because as I speak now there isn’t much wind, but it could be from anytime now – we’re definitely expecting it to get windier. We totally appreciate it isn’t perfect timing to take another look, but there’s no grounds for giving up on the meeting here and now. If things deteriorate, we can always bring the check forward, but it’s right to have another look.”
Chepstow’s fixture met the same fate as Aintree due to high winds, but Wetherby’s early starting meeting passed its inspection and will begin at 10.35. The going is soft, good to soft in places, although runners will bypass the last set of hurdles in the back straight due to an area of standing water. Officials at the track will monitor the wind, but the strongest gales are not due to reach the course until after the conclusion of the meeting.
There is no inspection planned in Ireland at Navan, an excellent card featuring a Grade 2 novice hurdle and two competitive Listed handicaps.
The other fixture in Britain on Saturday is at Wolverhampton, with a nine-race card due to start at the all-weather track at 4.30.
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