Persistent lightning in and around a racecourse during a race meeting can result in lengthy delays and tremendous frustration for both horseracing’s stake holders and fans alike.
Clearly the safety of horse and rider is paramount and no risks will be taken with lightning in the vicinity. On the flip side of the coin, Gold Circle fully appreciates abandoning races must be a last resort and every effort must therefore be made to avoid such a situation.
An added concern with night meetings is the welfare of grooms and their charges. Racing too late results in horses getting back to their training yards at unacceptable times and Gold Circle therefore wishes to advise that it will henceforth adopt the following guidelines:-
Greyville night meetings will not continue past 22h30.The Company reserves the right to abandon all remaining races after this time but will make every effort to stage as many races as possible. From time to time it may be necessary to prioritise which races are run, i.e. in the case of a feature race etc.
Greyville day meetings will be extended into the evening in order to give any lightning-delayed meeting every chance of being completed.
Decisions regarding Scottsville race meetings will be made based on sunset times.
Implementing the above could mean that a lengthy delay will be accommodated in order for as many races as possible to be completed at lightning affected race meetings, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Press Release published by Gold Circle on 6 December 2017
