Chepstow meeting moved to Ffos Las as work is planned to make track safe

Next Monday's fixture at Chepstow has been transferred to Ffos Las after a thorough investigation of the cause of last Monday's abandonment revealed that remedial work is required to make the course safe.

Following weeks of dry weather the track was hit by heavy rain, leaving a section of the straight track between the 6f and 5f marker deemed unsafe.

Original entries for the next Monday's races at Chepstow will be cancelled and entries for the new races will close at noon on Thursday, with declarations according to the normal schedule.

The card at Ffos Las will be a like-for-like replacement and is a seven-race afternoon fixture.

Arena Racing Company's racing director Jon Pullin said in a statement on Tuesday: "We have undergone a thorough investigation and inspection of the turf at Chepstow today in conjunction with our agronomist and the BHA racecourse inspectorate.

"The cause of the damage looks to have been a lack of root growth, which is a direct consequence of the incredibly dry summer we have had this year.

"This lack of binding between the turf and soil, combined with the high levels of rainfall in the run up to the meeting were the cause of the problems experienced on Monday."

He added: "Evidence from industry experts indicate that this shallow rooting is a potential problem for all sports turf across the country following the prolonged excessive temperatures during the summer."

Racing was abandoned after two races when the stewards, following consultation with jockeys and trainers, deemed the track unsafe.

Arc are compensating the owners and riders of horses who were unable to participate and giving 50 per cent refunds to racegoers who write to the course and include their tickets.

Pullin underlined Arc's regret over events and promised that the remedial work will be completed as quickly as possible.

He said: "We would like to reiterate our unreserved apologies to our customers and to horsemen who were inconvenienced on Monday.

"Work will be taking place to repair and renovate the ground on Chepstow’s flat course immediately."

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