Hard times for team chasing fixtures

THE team chasing calendar has been dealt further blows this year with the cancellation of three out of its first four autumn fixtures.

The Meynell and South Staffordshire fixture, due to be held on 23 September, is the third team chase to be called off this month as a result of hard ground.

The Warwickshire (2 September) and Atherstone (16 September) were also lost, while the Belvoir was able to run and received praise for its ground.

“Ground conditions at Booth Hay have not improved, even after the recent rainfall, and with little rain in prospect over the next 14 days we have decided that it would be unsafe to both horses and riders to run the event,” said a statement from Meynell team chase committee chairman Richard Parrott.

“This decision was not taken lightly, especially after so much hard work had already been undertaken in preparing the course and we had attracted a record sponsorship figure.

“On a more positive note, we already have plans to continue to develop the course for the 2019 team chase, when we hope conditions will prove more favourable.”