Pontefract passes inspection for Monday's fixture but marathon race scrapped and race schedule altered

Monday's fixture at Pontefract has passed its 8am inspection, but there will be one less race on the card after the 2m5½f handicap (4.25) was scrapped due to some areas of standing water on the course.

There were no signs of any problems at the track over the weekend, but heavy morning rain forced officials to arrange an inspection. 

The fixture got the go-ahead, but became a seven-race card following the loss of the sixth race. The meeting has been due to start at 1.52, but will now begin at 2.22 with the races then following the previously stated times.

Clerk of the course Richard Hammill said: "It seems to be a recurring theme that we've had more rain than forecast and are up to 6.5mm this morning. We're absolutely fine for all the other races, but we've lost the long-distance race because the back of the lake has always been that bit softer and with that rain we've got standing water there. We only use that section of the track for races over a mile and half.

"We're soft, heavy in places as the rest of the course is absolutely fine, although it will be quite testing. The rain is due to continue to lunchtime with possibly another 3-4mm, so I'm not ruling out a change to the going before racing. The rest of the course will take that rain without any bother."

Updated Pontefract race schedule

Race 1: 2.22 (was 1.52) 5f novice
Race 2: 2.52 (was 2.22) 6f handicap
Race 3: 3.22 (was 2.52) 1m2f handicap
Race 4: 3.55 (was 3.22) 1m handicap, division one
Race 5: 4.25 (was 3.55) 1m handicap, division two
Race 6: 5.00 (no change) 6f novice
Race 7: 5.30 (no change) 5f handicap

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