York Group One Races Resheduled.
Following an announcement from the BHA late this afternoon, we can report the Group One races due to be run this week at York have been saved, and re-scheduled as follows:
The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, and St Leger Yearlings Stakes will now form part of Newmarket's racecard this Friday 22 August. While the Juddmonte International Stakes will be the highlight of Newmarket's card on Saturday 23 August.
Further work is also being undertaken in an attempt to find alternative slots for the Group Two Ladbrokes Great Voltigeur Stakes, and the Group Two Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes.
Totesport support Ebor replacement race.
Following the loss of the Ebor , Totesport have decided to sponsor a replacement race at Newbury this coming Friday 22 August. The race will be over the same distance as the Ebor, and will be called the Newborough Handicap.
Totesport have been at pains to point out the race is in no way a permanent replacement for the historic Ebor, but it will give trainers a chance to run horses prepared for the York centrepiece.
Channel 4 will show the Newborough Handicap as part of its Friday afternoon coverage of racing at Newbury.
Weather causes complete York Ebor cancellation!
As a result of today's mid day inspection, the regretable decision was made by the York racecourse executive to cancel all four days of the York Ebor Meeting.
Apart from the considerable loss of revenue to the racecourse and surrounding businesses, the enforced decision has negated the chances of seeing some of the finest summer flat racing held on a racecourse with one of the most enthusiastic crowds in the United Kingdom.
The BHA are believed to be in discussions today over alternative venues for the seven major Group races which have been lost to incessant rain and resultant flooding. Naturally, we will bring you the results of those discussions as soon as they are made available to the media.
Harchibald to have Newcastle come back.
Enigmatic Irish hurdler Harchibald is to have his seasonal come back in the running of this year's Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November.
Having won the contest in impressive style in the past, it is hoped the race will rekindle his undoubted, but seldon seen ability.
