Storm Babet decimates Friday racing as Fakenham and Uttoxeter abandoned; Redcar goes ahead

Friday’s jumping competitions in Fakenham and Uttoxeter have been canceled as Storm Babet continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds across the country.

Both circuits had announced inspections at 7.30am, but due to weather conditions no racing will take place at either location.

Uttoxeter had 12mm of rain overnight, while race director Richard Fothergill expected at least another 20mm during the day.

He said: “We had the 12mm overnight, but in the hour after I walked the course at 7am we had another 5mm. The forecasts are over 20mm, and some are saying as much as 40mm.

“We were raceable yesterday, but we didn’t have much room for more.”

Fakenham course leader David Hunter felt a combination of factors were against the Norfolk location.

He said: “We had 17mm this morning between 6.15 and 6.30am which was fine, but the problem is what’s coming when our forecaster says we could get 30-40mm with the worst of the rain coming in around lunchtime.

“We have a drainage ditch that runs through the course from surrounding farmland with a pond that may overflow onto the course. We also could not guarantee the safety of vehicles being able to access all parts of the course and of course the safety of horse and rider is paramount first .

“Since the weather is also not ideal for travel, we thought it best to make a decision early.”

Redcar’s Flat meeting has been given the green light following a morning inspection, although officials at the circuit will continue to monitor forecast high winds – a condition that also applies to the all-weather evening meeting in Newcastle.

Saturday’s National Hunt card in Stratford has been canceled due to a waterlogged track, with 31mm of rain overnight and more forecast.