Southwell to stage jumpers' bumper Sunday fixture as weather threatens meetings
An additional jumpers' bumper fixture will take place on the all-weather at Southwell on Sunday December 3; weather could decimate fixture list; Newcastle and Newbury hoping to stage valuable Saturday meetings
Thursday 30 November 2023 11:52, UK
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that an additional jumpers' bumper fixture will take place on the all-weather at Southwell on Sunday.
The decision has been made due to the weather forecast for this weekend, which predicts significant periods of sub-zero temperatures that could cause disruption to the scheduled jumps fixtures, including the big meetings at Newcastle and Newbury.
No inspection had been called at either track as of Wednesday afternoon, but there will be concerns in view of the forecast.
- Michael Buckley relishing Constitution Hill 'pressure'
- All the latest results | Racecards
- Racing round-up: All the latest news
Newcastle clerk of the course Eloise Quayle told the Racing Post: "At this stage we're looking a bit colder than originally forecast. I think we'll see an inspection called, but at what stage I'm not sure just yet."
The fixture at Southwell on Sunday will be a seven-race card and entries will close at 12 noon on Thursday, with declarations to be made by 10am on Friday.
In addition, three chases at Carlisle on Sunday have been abandoned, with two additional hurdle races programmed to create a six-race card.
The BHA explored the feasibility of staging additional Flat fixtures this weekend, but having considered feedback from across the sport and the practical implications of doing so, it was determined that these fixtures should not take place during the full Flat code break, which supports the participants' welfare.
The possibility of a jumpers' bumper fixture on Saturday was explored but it was deemed impractical due to the logistical challenges of servicing an additional fixture of this kind with four jump meetings already scheduled to take place in Britain.
PJA pleased to see no additional Flat fixtures added
Dale Gibson, the interim chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, issued a statement welcoming the decision not to introduce any additional Flat fixtures during this period.
The statement read: "Following recent communication with BHA, we are pleased that no additional Flat fixture has been rescheduled this weekend. We would like to thank BHA for their understanding of the vital importance of the end of year code break.
"The PJA worked incredibly hard to obtain this small break for our members and each year must work just as hard to retain it. Most Flat jockeys, their partners and families booked their hard-earned holiday or made plans months ago, as their valets and quite possibly agents will have done as well.
"The break remains essential to our members' well-being, and it is also important to note that these breaks also benefit other essential members of racing's workforce. As a sport, we need to be far more mindful of the excessive workloads for all participants and the impacts servicing the demanding fixture list places on personal and family life.
"Considering the significant difference between the extended jumps holiday next August and the current Flat one, we firmly believe changes need to be made in future. We have already started the conversation with other stakeholders to request that the Flat break commences immediately after the November Handicap at Doncaster and extends in length, even if that means using rider restricted races at the end of that period.
"This must include a commitment that once a break is in place it remains in its entirety, but bringing the period forward would minimise the potential for weather-related abandonments. We look forward to continuing the discussion in due course with BHA and other stakeholders to enable a workable long-term solution which offers improved benefits for our Flat members and other racing staff."
