Brighton racecourse has transferred another two fixtures due to damage caused to the track by a bug infestation. The Sussex track was forced to cancel its first three meetings of 2026 in April and May while experts addressed problems caused by nematodes and leather jackets. It has been a lean period for racing in the county with Sunday’s fixture at Plumpton called off due to an outbreak of equine flu close to the location.
Last month the BHA announced that Brighton would not go ahead with meetings on April 28, April 29 and May 7 which were transferred to Yarmouth, Bath and Windsor. On Monday it was confirmed that the track’s next two fixtures on May 19 and May 26 will be transferred to Lingfield and Bath respectively to allow further time for the turf to recover.
A BHA statement said: “The BHA Course Inspectorate has approved the transfer of their next two fixtures following a full turf disease report and investigation works carried out since 17 April, which confirmed infestation of nematodes and leather jackets causing the damage and issues with the turf. Further time is needed to allow the treatment to the relevant areas to progress enough for the track to be deemed raceable, and an update regarding their fixture on Friday 29 May will be made by the middle of next week, confirming whether or not sufficient improvement has taken place or not.”
Brighton clerk of the course Jack Hastings said: “Following discussions with our independent agronomist and further track inspections, we have concluded that the track is not yet fully recovered in affected localised areas. This is despite the positive impact of the ongoing remedial works carried out so far, and which have brought about significant improvement. Over the past four weeks the entire groundstaff have been working non-stop to address damage caused by a mixture of leatherjackets and nematodes. This was despite our usual pre-season preventative measures, which have been successful previously.
“The track remedial works since have included scarification, slitting, overseeding, regular watering, cutting and the application of a plant-based substance to help overcome the issue. This has all been in line with the detailed programme we agreed with our highly experienced agronomist. We are committed to delivering a high-quality racing surface, working closely with our agronomist and grounds team to carry out the comprehensive recovery plan for the track. Brighton Racecourse looks forward to welcoming everyone back, once the track is restored to the excellent standards our participants and visitors expect and deserve.
“Safety and the welfare of the participants - equine and human - remains our absolute priority. We sincerely apologise to all racegoers, stakeholders, sponsors and partners who have been affected by this decision. We are aiming to start our season on Friday 29 May and further updates will be provided as soon as they are available.”
