Newbury races have been hit by big delays after a colossal deluge and thunder hammered the track. The first race of their International Weekend was due off at 1.25pm. But the weather took an almighty turn for the worse with 5mm of rain falling in a matter of minutes. Footage shared on social media showed drenched bookies running for cover from their stalls as the sky turned black. The delay will have a knock-on effect to the rest of the eight-race card. And it was anyone's guess what the ground was truly like for the first, a 12-runner handicap over 6f.
The runners were back out into the pre-parade ring at around 1.40pm with the first race scheduled off at 1.55pm. A post from the racecourse on X read: "Horses are heading to the pre-parade ring with the intention of today's racing commencing at 1:55pm. Following the delay, races will be run with shortened, 30 minute intervals." The first was finally off at 1.57pm - a full 32 minutes later than planned - and won by 3-1 Shameful, a horse whose pedigree suggested he would like softer ground.
The Impact of the Delay on the Races
Although Newbury bosses planned to make up the time between races it was not immediately clear what time the following contests would be off. Punters might want to side with horses who like a bit of juice in the ground. Especially as the turf looked to be kicking up as the horses got within the final furlong in the opener. Winning jockey Jim Crowley elaborated on the state of the ground.
He said: "It's on the soft side of good, the track has taken it very well." The going was officially changed from good to soft ahead of the second, which was meant to be off at 1.55pm but eventually got underway at 2.28pm.
Thunderstorms and Weather Warnings
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for large parts of England and Wales throughout Friday. A threat of electrical activity in the air also caused play to be suspended at the BMW PGA Championship golf at Wentworth in Surrey, around 35 miles from Newbury racecourse. The delays caused by the weather are not isolated to Newbury. The BMW PGA Championship has also been affected by weather issues. The threat of electrical activity in the air also caused play to be suspended. These incidents highlight the impact that weather can have on sporting events, especially in the unpredictable British weather.
Racing in Difficult Conditions
Racing in challenging conditions, whether it be extreme heat, cold, or rain, is a reality that jockeys and horses alike must face. Racing officials carefully monitor the weather and track conditions to ensure the safety of the horses and riders. The decision to delay or cancel races is a crucial one that balances the needs of the sport with the well-being of the athletes. Despite the delays and challenges, the races continued, showcasing the resilience of the athletes and the sport.
The End of the Day
The day ended with a mixture of thrill and relief. The races were finally completed, and the crowds were able to enjoy the spectacle of the sport. The challenges faced by the organizers and athletes due to the weather serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity. These conditions also serve as a reminder that the sport of horse racing, like many others, is not immune to the elements and can be significantly impacted by the weather.
