Fontwell defy odds to get racing staged
Fontwell staff keep getting new challenges thrown at them this year – and keep getting racing on despite them.
First came the ban on British racing following an outbreak of equine flu. The ban was imposed a week before a Fontwell fixture, but was lifted in the nick of time for the meeting to go ahead.
Now Fontwell’s owners, the Arena Racing Company, are mixed up in a national dispute with trainers over prize money which has seen many yards boycott some ARC fixtures.
Fontwell has not been affected as badly as some courses by the protest but did have reduced fields for last Wednesday’s racing. But staff were pleased to get the fixture on and some competitive racing staged.
Four of the races were won by the favourites, including Bredon Hill Lad (5/2), who won the Join The Coral Champions Club For Free Handicap Chase for jockey Lucy Gardner and trainer Sue Gardner.
This Saturday, Fontwell stages its annual St Patrick’s Day racing. Alongside an afternoon of jump racing, you can sup Guinness, listen to Irish music and watch the Six Nations action.
See fontwellpark.co.uk or call 01243 543335 for more.