Racecourse fixtures moved after winter flooding

TL;DR

Worcester Racecourse has relocated its first two fixtures of the year to Hereford due to winter flooding. The events are now scheduled for May 5 and May 12 as the track requires more preparation time.

Key points

Worcester Racecourse fixtures moved to Hereford
First two fixtures scheduled for May 5 and 12
Track needs further preparation time due to flooding
Repair works at Worcester have finished
Cooler temperatures slowing recovery

Mentioned in this story

British Horseracing Authority

Worcester RacecourseHereford

Grey covers on the racecourse, in the bottom half and middle, dominate the photo. A large area of grass is behind those and trees, going from left to right, are further back on the image.

Worcester Racecourse (pictured on Wednesday) said they were "very grateful" to Hereford for taking over their two fixtures [BBC]

Worcester Racecourse's first two fixtures of the year have been moved to Hereford after winter flooding.

They would take place elsewhere on 5 and 12 May, with the track at Pitchcroft "needing further preparation time", the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said.

The group added that, while repair works have finished, recent cooler overnight temperatures have "slowed down the rate of recovery".

The race programmes for the fixtures 27 miles away will remain as originally published.

Worcester Racecourse's clerk of course, Libby Dennis, said there were areas of the track "that require further time to recover".

Parts of the course were still under water a month ago, she added.

A wide image of the racecourse, showing a long white rail in the foreground on the left and other rails in the background. Trees are in the distance and blue sky features in the top third of the photo.

Recent cooler overnight temperatures have "slowed down the rate of recovery", Worcester Racecourse said [BBC]

"It's frustrating for the team and we understand the impact this has on all stakeholders, but ensuring the track is fully ready for racing remains our top priority," she said.

"In the meantime, we are very grateful to Hereford Racecourse for accommodating our first two fixtures, and we extend our thanks to all the team there."

Q&A

Why were Worcester Racecourse fixtures moved to Hereford?

The fixtures were moved due to winter flooding that necessitated additional preparation time for the track at Worcester.

When are the relocated Worcester Racecourse fixtures scheduled?

The relocated fixtures are scheduled for May 5 and May 12.

What has caused the delay in recovery at Worcester Racecourse?

Recent cooler overnight temperatures have slowed down the rate of recovery at Worcester Racecourse.