Punter Meltdown
The first race at Brighton racecourse today triggered a meltdown among punters as stall handlers failed to arrive on time. The race had to be started using a flip start due to the delay. Visibility was extremely poor, with punters unable to see any of the horses. Despite the chaotic start, the race result was allowed to stand.
Abandoned
After a two-hour delay and continuous inspections of the track, the decision was made to abandon the remaining five races at Brighton. Jockeys, trainers, and officials were unable to proceed with the races due to the atrocious conditions, which included heavy fog and drizzle. Attempts were made to push the fog through, but the lack of wind made it impossible. The safety of both jockeys and horses was a major concern, leading to the decision to abandon the event.
A Disappointing End
Hayley Moore, reporting for Sky from the track, described the situation as a sad end to the Brighton Festival. Despite the jockeys' initial willingness to continue racing, even the winner of the first race, David Probert, admitted to the poor visibility. Medical professionals also expressed concerns about the conditions, leading to the conclusion that it was not worth risking lives to continue the races. The decision to abandon the event was ultimately made.
More updates to follow.
