Chepstow’s Welsh Racing Festival, traditionally the opening event of the jumps season, will be held without any chase races due to the ongoing impact of an extreme summer drought. The decision reflects the continued strain on the track's surface following the dry conditions.
The festival serves as a key early-season fixture in the Welsh racing calendar. However, organizers have determined that the ground conditions are currently unsuitable for the heavier demands of chase racing.
While the specific date of the event was not detailed in the announcement, the change represents a significant alteration to the standard schedule for the jumps opener. The absence of chase races is a direct response to the environmental challenges faced by the venue.
Track officials continue to monitor the situation as they manage the aftermath of the severe drought. The primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of horses and jockeys on a surface that has been heavily affected by the lack of rainfall.
<small>Source: Sky Sports — read the original story there.</small>