Fences bypassed at Worcester as swarm of bees take over wing up home straight

Racing at Worcester eventually returned to normal on Wednesday after officials were able to deal with a swarm of bees that forced two fences to be omitted from the opening race.

The 2m7f handicap chase (4.40) took place after a minor delay due to a swarm of bees situated on the wing of the first fence in the home straight. The race featured only 12 of the 14 fences, while problems continued in the 2m½f handicap chase (5.10).

However, the issues were resolved before the third race on the card.

Clerk of the course Nessie Chanter said: "I spoke to Stratford's George Lea, who's a bee expert, and he gave us advice on how to handle it. We've removed the wing and fortunately we're all back to normal."

Before the swarm of bees were contained and safely removed from the wing of the fence, four of the eight fences in the second race had to be missed out.

Chanter added: "We didn't think it was safe to jump so the horses and jockeys had to bypass the fence in the second race. Due to the location of the start, they avoided the open-ditch because it was the first fence in this race."

Read this next:

'The jockeys call him a machine' - small yard dreaming big with Bear Ghylls

Amo lose Norfolk appeal despite 'poor and reprehensible' Paul Hanagan ride

Meet the superstar rivalling Baaeed for the title of world's best racehorse

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets