Chepstow fog wreaks havoc on Welsh National day as TV viewers fume over coverage

Heavy fog wreaked havoc during Chepstow's Welsh Grand National meeting on Friday with ITV Racing viewers following the action from home unable to see the runners.

The ITV cameras struggled to pick up the horses for large parts of each race, while those on track had a limited view of the action from the stands.

The coverage sparked a debate on social media, and one user wrote: "The coverage from Chepstow is mad. I've got absolutely no clue what's going on".

Another described the situation as an "absolute shambles" and wrote: "Call the meeting off. You're ripping off the on-course paying punters blind with this!"

Jockeys, trainers and officials inspect the track after the first race at ChepstowCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Racegoers in the enclosure as horses enter the parade ring at ChepstowCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Racegoers struggle to see much of the first race at Chepstow due to heavy fogCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The flag man stands alone in the fog at Chepstow on Welsh National dayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The view during the opening 2m novices' hurdle at ChepstowCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The feature Coral Welsh Grand National, won by Val Dancer, was also run in thick fog.

"What a crying shame it looks like this festive period of racing is looking like being spoilt by fog," wrote one user. "To me, that's utterly pointless at Chepstow today much like Aintree and Leopardstown yesterday. It’s a spectator sport and if you can’t see anything there is no point."

Visibility was poor for the opening 2m novice hurdle and a delegation of jockeys including Harry Skelton and Gavin Sheehan, alongside trainer Dan Skelton, formed a group inspecting whether it was safe for racing to continue.

Medical personnel on track were concerned, but Sheehan told ITV Racing: "You can't get clear visibility the whole way down the straight but when you're approaching hurdles you can see plenty. They are going to monitor it but we've got good, sensible jockeys and we can all see.

"It's not ideal for viewers at home because they won't be able to see much but unfortunately that's the way it is. As long as the jockeys and vets can see we are happy for racing to go ahead."

In a statement posted on X on Friday evening, Chepstow said that all ticket holders who booked in advance, as well as those that booked hospitality, can have a free ticket for entry to any of its upcoming fixtures until March 31. They will be notified via email on Monday.

Multiple racecourses struggled with fog on Boxing Day, with the beginning of Aintree's card delayed and Leopardstown forced to pause during racing owing to conditions.

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