Ludlow races ABANDONED amid perfect sunshine after jockeys express fears over safety of track

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LUDLOW races has been abandoned amid perfect sunshine – after jockeys expressed fear over the safety of the track.

The setback comes after Newcastle’s action was pushed back 35 minutes due to ‘pesky golfers’ walking on the track.

Stewards and officials inspecting a racecourse.
The decision was taken to abandon Ludlow races – despite the blue skies – after jockeys expressed fears over the safety of the track
Three men in racing attire discuss something on a racecourse.
Jockey David Bass was among those taking to the track to see what conditions were like

The first at Ludlow was hoped to be off 35 minutes later than planned too, at around 1.15pm.

But as of 1pm an official inspection was taking place with a big delegation of jockeys, trainers and stewards taking to the course.

A message from BHA Stewards on X then confirmed the seven-race jumps meeting had been abandoned.

It is believed jockeys had concerns over the condition of the course given the low temperatures.

Racing TV host Stewart Machin said: “Officials were of the view that with a revised racetimes, but several jockeys have expressed disquiet about the conditions.

“There are already several withdrawn horses.”

It turned out that an area of shade caused by the grandstand had left part of the turf frozen.

Tom Evetts. BHA steward, said: “There is still frost in the ground and there is too much risk to continue.

“We thought temperatures would improve enough but they just haven’t, sadly.

“It’s bright blue skies and sunshine but the forecast warmer temperatures sadly haven’t materialised.

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“We didn’t feel the need for an inspection at first, just push the racetimes back.

“But the more we heard the more it became apparent jockeys and trainers weren’t happy.

“We had a proper look at the racecourse, took a decision and sadly it has been to abandon racing.”