Friday Racing Abandoned, Saturday's Group 1 Card in Jeopardy
Doncaster races scheduled for Friday have been abandoned, and there are concerns that Saturday's huge Group 1 card may also be under threat. Parts of the track have been deemed "saturated" and unraceable after heavy rain caused by Storm Babet.
Racecourses Across the Country Affected
Heavy rain has left racecourses across the country underwater, with Southwell resembling a giant lake. While Doncaster has not been hit as hard, it was enough to force the cancellation of today's card, which was supposed to be the first day of the Futurity meeting.
Hopes for Improvement Ahead of Tomorrow's Fixture
All hopes are now pinned on an improvement in the weather conditions in time for tomorrow's racing. The highlight of the day is the Group 1 Kameko Futurity Trophy, the final top-level race of the season on the Flat. Last year's winner, Auguste Rodin, went on to win the future Derby. This year, Aidan O'Brien sends Diego Velazquez to compete.
Rain Threatens the Track
However, any further rainfall could prove disastrous for the track. Clerk of the course, Paul Barker, admits that the track cannot handle much more rain, stating, "We can't take a great deal more."
Other Racing Affected
Today's meeting at Newbury has also been abandoned. However, racing returns to Cheltenham for the first day of its Showcase meeting.
Track Adjustments to Address Saturated Areas
To combat the waterlogged sections of the track, officials will be railing out approximately six yards from the inside down the straight, effectively making the saturated areas out of bounds. Further updates will follow, and there may be an inspection this afternoon to ensure the adjustments have worked.
Weather Forecast Uncertain
While forecasters predict a dry day, their accuracy has been called into question this week. Clerk of the course, Paul Barker, remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges the unpredictability of the weather.
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