Severe heatwave wreaks havoc to UK racing

A severe heatwave sweeping across the United Kingdom and much of Europe has forced the British Horseracing Authority to abandon four race meetings scheduled for Wednesday as officials prioritise the welfare of horses and participants.

The decision follows the issuance of an extreme “red” heat warning covering parts of the Midlands, southern England and Wales for both Wednesday and Thursday.

As a result, fixtures at Kempton Park, Salisbury, Worcester and Ffos Las have all been called off.

The British Horseracing Authority said the move was made in accordance with its established hot weather protocols.

“The BHA’s hot weather policy states that where racecourses fall within a red warning zone, the fixture will be abandoned. In addition, horses must not be travelled from or through areas that have red warnings in place,” the BHA said.

“The decision to abandon the fixtures has been taken in conjunction with the racecourses with a view to mitigating any risk to the health and wellbeing of equine and human participants.”

Officials also reminded trainers and connections that horses should not be transported into, out of or through regions affected by the highest-level heat alerts.

The cancellations highlight the growing challenges extreme weather conditions are creating for racing authorities across Europe, with welfare considerations taking precedence as temperatures soar.

Further inspections and assessments are expected over coming days as officials monitor conditions and determine whether additional meetings may be impacted by the heatwave.