Newbury Racecourse Statement
Newbury Racecourse and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are planning to re-schedule last Saturday’s abandoned fixture at Newbury on Friday 18 February, when the remaining races from Saturday’s programme will be run.
Following Saturday’s unprecedented incident in the parade ring at Newbury Racecourse, Newbury has received an assurance from Southern Electric Power Distribution (see statement of 13 February below) that the paddock site is safe for both horses and people. The BHA have authorised the re-scheduling pending receipt of written confirmation from Newbury Racecourse that there are no outstanding issues and the satisfactory review of the post-mortem and samples taken from the affected horses.
Stephen Higgins, Joint Managing Director, Newbury Racecourse, states;
‘It has been a difficult week so far for all involved with Saturday’s traumatic events. Having received confirmation from Southern Electric Power Distribution that the paddock site is safe for both horses and people, we are confident that racing should resume.
‘We have been in talks with the BHA and our sponsors the tote and AON, with regard to re-scheduling the remaining races from Saturday’s card and it is our intention for them to take place on Friday 18 February.
“Re-staging the fixture is an expensive, but necessary exercise and we are very grateful to the BHA and the title sponsors, The Tote, AON, as well as the Horsemen and The Levy Board with whom we have worked closely and our racegoers who have been enormously supportive.”
Trevor Beaumont, Chief Executive of the Tote, commented “After the very unfortunate events over the weekend, our sympathies are with the connections of the horses involved. We have come to an agreement with Newbury Racecourse, the BHA and the Levy Board which has enabled the re-scheduling of totesport Trophy Day.
“It was vital that we came together to save one of the most important days in the Jump racing calendar and as the biggest sponsor of British horseracing we are more than happy to lend our support.”
Leading trainer, Nicky Henderson commented. “Following Saturday’s extraordinary event at Newbury, firstly our condolences go out to the connections of Marching Song and Fenix Two, secondly I am pleased to report our vet checked Kid Cassidy on Saturday evening and all is fine with him.
No-one would ever wish to see a repeat of last Saturday’s tragic events. Equine along with human safety is foremost in everyone’s mind who is involved with horseracing. I feel it’s important that racing at the course should resume and I whole heartedly support Newbury’s and the BHA’s decision to re-stage the remaining races of last Saturday’s fixture and we will be sending our intended runners from our stable to the course.
Champion Jump Trainer Paul Nicholls added “Last Saturday’s unprecedented event in the parade ring at Newbury on Saturday was very tragic and our team wishes to extend its thoughts to connections of those horses affected. We support 100% the decision to race on Friday at Newbury Racecourse and we will be sending our runners to this fixture”.
Tickets for the fixture will only be available on the gate at £15 per person, for one combined Enclosure, with under 18s going free. For further information on this fixture visit newbury-racecourse.co.uk
Ends
Statement from Newbury Racecourse – Sunday 13 February
Following yesterday’s incident in the parade ring at Newbury Racecourse when two horses collapsed and died, an investigation is taking place.
Stuart Hogarth, Operations Director for Southern Electric Power Distribution commented, “Following yesterday’s unprecedented event, a full investigation is already underway. A section of electricity cable has been removed from the paddock area for further detailed inspection.
Hogarth added, “Our initial on-site investigations last night confirm there was no danger to the public.”
Stephen Higgins, Joint Managing Director of Newbury Racecourse stated, “We will wait for further information to be provided to us by Southern Electric Power Distribution who we are in daily contact with.
“We have been re-assured that the site is safe and we hope that the final results of this investigation will be established as soon as possible.
Once again, we extend all our condolences to the connections of those horses affected”.