BHA ponders action over lost meetings

Plans are already afoot to consider rearranging any important races lost to Storm Dennis this weekend.

Ascot, Haydock, Wincanton and Exeter are all due to host cards with vital races as the season builds towards the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National meeting.

On the back of last weekend’s Storm Ciara, the Exeter meeting has already been rearranged once, with another bout of heavy rain and strong winds due to batter the country.

Inspections have been called at multiple tracks and the British Horseracing Authority is poised to take action should any feature races fall to the weather.

A statement said: “Ahead of an unsettled forecast this weekend, preparations are ongoing in case key races and opportunities are lost.

“On this basis we will review options on Sunday in conjunction with racecourses, trainers and the Levy Board to see what should and can feasibly be re-staged.

“We are mindful that some races may be important opportunities in relation to major spring targets and will factor this into the decision making process

“Should additional races or fixtures be considered necessary, we will aim to communicate this at the earliest time possible on Monday.”

A seven-race card is scheduled at Ascot, but clerk of the course Chris Stickels is concerned about the forecast of strong winds.

A precautionary inspection has been announced for 8am but there is every possibility of further checks through the morning, with winds set to strengthen from 11am.

Haydock’s precautionary inspection is set for 8am at the Merseyside venue, due to the forecast high winds and it is a similar situation at Wincanton and Lingfield.