Dry summer threatens early horse-racing fixtures across southern England
A prolonged dry spell is jeopardising the opening meetings of the horse-racing calendar, with courses warning that without substantial rain the October fixtures may be cancelled.
Course managers across Somerset report that the current summer has been one of the driest on record, leaving race surfaces overly firm and unsafe for horses. Tom Ryall of Wincanton Racecourse warned that without a sustained wet period the 25 October charity meeting and other early fixtures could be called off, citing a need for 200-250 mm of rain in the coming weeks. Trainer Paul Nicholls described the ground as "completely burnt up" and noted difficulties feeding horses due to lack of grass.
Jeremy Martin at Salisbury Racecourse said the venue has been watering daily—the most intensive effort in his 26-year tenure—thanks to a licence allowing extraction from a 400-ft borehole. Nonetheless, he stressed that natural rain is far preferable and that many courses lack such water supplies. Both venues remain hopeful that September showers will arrive, but acknowledge that continued dryness could force a delayed start to the season.
Why it matters
Poor ground conditions could force the cancellation of early horse-racing events, affecting trainers, owners, and local economies.
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