A prolonged dry spell has left Newcastle Racecourse struggling with unusually small fields for its jumps meeting this Friday, with the ground officially rated as good to firm in some areas. The six-race event, which has drawn just 31 runners overall, opens with a maiden hurdle featuring only two competitors out of 17 initial entries. Aside from a ten-runner handicap hurdle, the rest of the card consists of a four-runner race and three contests with just five runners each.
In response, course officials are working to improve conditions by watering the track, aiming for good ground ahead of raceday. Jane Hedley, clerk of the course, explained that the dry weather has limited the number of horses suited to current conditions. She noted that trainers are facing a shortage of horses comfortable on firm ground after several weeks without rain.
“Our first fixture was on October 31, and we haven’t had a drop of rain since,” Hedley remarked. She added that while watering efforts should result in good ground by Friday, the going was still good to firm at the time of declarations.
Newcastle is not the only racecourse affected by the dry conditions. Exeter’s meeting last Friday saw a significant number of non-runners, including a walkover in a £40,000 novice chase due to unsuitable ground.
There is hope for improvement, as rain is expected in the coming days. Hedley expressed optimism about next week’s unsettled forecast, which could bring much-needed precipitation before the Fighting Fifth Hurdle meeting on November 30. The event is set to feature the eagerly awaited return of Constitution Hill, adding excitement to Newcastle’s racing calendar.