Fontwell Succumbs to Waterlogging, Forced to Cancel National Spirit Event

National Hunt racing hit by inclement weather. 

Adverse weather conditions continue to disrupt the National Hunt racing calendar across the UK this week. Fontwell's prestigious Sunday card and Warwick's Friday meeting have been casualties of the persistent heavy rain.

Fontwell's highly anticipated £80,000 Grade Two Star Sports National Spirit Hurdle was slated as the highlight of their centenary celebrations. However, the deluge of rain has resulted in standing water at the West Sussex venue, prompting a 4pm inspection on Thursday following an 18mm rainfall.

Philip Hide, the Clerk of the course, expressed concerns over the waterlogged track, emphasising the lack of suitable racing ground due to the ongoing downpour. Despite hoping for a positive turn of events, Hide acknowledged the impracticality of proceeding with the races under the prevailing conditions.

Similarly, Warwick faced water logging issues as the Gog Brook overflowed, rendering the course unviable for racing. In light of the situation, officials made the decision to cancel the event, foreseeing inadequate improvements before the scheduled raceday.

The upcoming jumps meeting at Exeter also faces scrutiny, with a precautionary inspection scheduled due to recent rainfall. The track was deemed heavy but raceable, albeit with modifications to the course layout owing to the challenging conditions. Anticipated showers have compelled officials to reassess the viability of the event.

While Thursday's meeting at Huntingdon was called off due to waterlogging, the outlook for the key jumps fixtures on Saturday appears more promising. The Premier Raceday at Kempton, showcasing the £150,000 Coral Trophy Handicap Chase and three Grade Two contests, is expected to go ahead on soft ground, heavy in some areas. Despite recent rain in the Surrey region, a mix of sunshine and showers is forecast for the approaching weekend.

Newcastle's Eider Chase is scheduled on heavy ground, described as soft in certain sections. With manageable rainfall and a favourable weather prediction for Friday, Gosforth Park is poised to host the event under clear skies, albeit with a slight risk of frost during the night.

The National Hunt fixtures continue to face uncertainties due to the unpredictable weather conditions, challenging both organisers and participants alike.