BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Racegoers watch from a high view point as runners ease down after finishing at Brighton racecourse on August 05, 2015 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images – Getty
TWO major race meetings have been cancelled with immediate effect – and a third could go too – with the track suffering damage due to a bug infestation.
Hugely popular Brighton racecourse is yet to stage a fixture this Flat term.
Their season was due to start on Saturday, April 18, but that meeting was axed due to damage to the racing surface.
Workers have been trying hard to get the course ready for a return to racing ever since.
But, due to an infestation of leatherjackets – the larvae of daddy long legs – it is taking longer than anticipated.
As a result, the venue, in conjunction with the BHA, have decided to axe their planned meetings scheduled for May 19 and 26.
They have been transferred to Lingfield and Bath respectively.
Jack Hastings, Clerk of the Course at Brighton, said: “Brighton racecourse has regrettably taken the decision to abandon the next two meetings on 19 and 26 May, due to the ongoing recovery process of the racing surface, which requires further time.
“Following discussions with our independent agronomist and further track inspections, we have concluded that the track is not yet fully recovered in affected localised areas.
“This is despite the positive impact of the ongoing remedial works carried out so far, and which have brought about significant improvement.
“Over the past four weeks the entire groundstaff have been working non-stop to address damage caused by a mixture of leatherjackets and nematodes.
“This was despite our usual pre-season preventative measures, which have been successful previously.
“The track remedial works since have included scarification, slitting, overseeding, regular watering, cutting and the application of a plant-based substance to help overcome the issue.
“This has all been in line with the detailed programme we agreed with our highly experienced agronomist.
“Safety and the welfare of the participants – equine and human – remains our absolutely priority.
“We sincerely apologise to all racegoers, stakeholders, sponsors and partners who have been affected by this decision.
“We are aiming to start our season on Friday 29 May and further updates will be provided as soon as they are available.”
The decision to axe Brighton’s next two fixtures came after Plumpton’s Jattvibeday card was cancelled due to a ‘highly contagious’ virus nearby.
