'We've got to make sure we don't overdo it' - tracks wary of winter conditions as battle against dry weather continues

Jumps tracks in Britain continue to face watering challenges during a period of unseasonably dry weather, with clerks determined to strike the right balance to make sure it does not lead to significant problems this winter.

The dry period last week meant some jumps stars pencilled in for their return did not run, including the Dan Skelton-trained Grade 1 winner Grey Dawning. He missed his intended comeback in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, where the ground was described as good, and was pulled out of another engagement at Carlisle.

Exeter is verti-draining before Friday's Haldon Gold Cup fixture, while Wincanton is monitoring the situation in case irrigation is needed before its meeting during the West Country weekend on Saturday.

A host of other meetings this week are subject to watering including Chepstow, which is selectively sprinkling its chase track ahead of Wednesday's card.

"We're looking up at the clouds, but I'm sure we're all in the same boat," clerk Dai Jones said. "Thankfully there's plenty of moisture in the ground and it's been misty, which has kept it in, but at this time of the year we've got to make sure we don't overdo as it could haunt us later on.

"You're not going to please everyone, as some want you to water and some don't, so you've just got to be honest about the track. It's about trying to find that happy balance to keep it safe for now as you can be sure it'll rain at some point again this winter."

The going is good on the chase course and good, good to soft in places on the hurdles track, with Chepstow having the luxury of running its hurdles contests on the Flat course used in the summer.

However, Jones remains cautious about how to deal with the dry weather during a busy winter, which includes the Welsh Grand National next month.

He added: "In the summer you can get 12 hours of sunlight after watering and it'll be taking the moisture out of it straight away and you have to go again the next day. You don't get that in the winter and you don't know what damage you could be doing to the track if you did. 

"I've always got the Welsh National meeting in the back of my mind too. That's why we're only putting a smaller selective amount on the chase course to maintain good ground, because you don't want it to tighten up more and it needs to be safe for this time of the year."

The ground is currently good, good to soft in places at Newbury ahead of its jumps season opener on ThursdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Newbury is also watering ahead of its first jumps fixture of the season on Thursday, while it also stages its showpiece Coral Gold Cup meeting this month. However, the course has been able to take the dry weather in its stride, according to clerk George Hill.

"The forecast has been accurate, which has made it easier to have in our control," he said. "We were quite fortunate that we got a lot of rain in September and October – nearly 240mm – which meant we were in a pretty good position in terms of moisture for the jumps track.

"We've been able to get ahead of the game and while you don't want to overdo it, it's November and people are looking for winter ground. If the rain arrives then great, but if not we'll keep adding bits of water."

Read more:

Exeter and Wincanton hope to maintain good ground for ITV4 meetings as dry weather forecast poses challenges 

Ante-post favourite remains in contention after confirmation stage for Saturday's Grand Sefton over the National fences 

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