'We don't have much luck' - Newton Abbot staying positive despite latest blow

Luck has not been on Newton Abbot's side for the last year and a half but there is optimism things are finally improving, despite Wednesday's cancelled fixture contributing yet another blow to the Devon racecourse.

The track lost four meetings in 2019 due to rain and, like all courses, was dealt a huge blow by the suspension of racing, then a full season kept behind closed doors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The track made a rare terrestrial TV appearance this month but its second, a week later, was forced off due to another cancellation after a 'biblical' amount of rain the previous day.

Most recently, Wednesday's card – when the track was readying to welcome 500 spectators – also fell to the weather after an inspection earlier in the week.

Newton Abbot: track had been preparing to welcome 500 spectators on WednesdayCredit: Jon Winter

Pat Masterson, managing director at Newton Abbot, said: "It's just galling really, it seems that we don't have much luck at the moment. There's a lot happening at Newton Abbot but in the last 18 months it's been really difficult for us.

"It started in the back end of 2019 when we lost our last four meetings, then a load through Covid-19, then we're behind closed doors. We haven't used our catering facilities or anything. It's been difficult but hopefully we've had all our bad luck and can turn the corner."

There is, however, some positivity with plenty of interest coming for its next fixture on June 11, with track officials confident of overcoming a difficult period financially.

"I've always got a plan, we've ridden through some difficulties," he added. "We don't like this situation but we always have a plan and I'm still confident.

"We've got a lot of interest in people wanting tickets and hospitality and everything else. It's onwards and upwards."

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