In an unprecedented move that will disappoint punters and racing enthusiasts across the nation, all UK horse racing fixtures scheduled for Tuesday have been completely wiped out. A relentless deluge of rain has left courses waterlogged and unfit for racing, forcing officials to make the call early.
The decision impacts every single meeting, creating a rare blank day in the British racing calendar. The affected fixtures include high-profile meetings at Exeter, Leicester, and the all-weather track at Southwell, which ironically fell victim to flooding despite its synthetic surface.
Official Statements Confirm Widespread Disruption
A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed the full cancellation, stating: "Following ongoing overnight rainfall and subsequent track inspections, the decision has been made to abandon all races scheduled for today. The safety of our jockeys, horses, and officials is our paramount concern."
Clerks of the courses at the affected tracks reported up to 30mm of rain in a short period, leaving the ground saturated and beyond recovery in time for the day's events. Inspections were held early this morning, but the verdict was inevitable given the conditions.
Punters and Bookmakers React
The blank racing day is a significant blow to betting shops and online bookmakers, for whom Tuesday's action represents a substantial turnover. Many ante-post bets placed on the cancelled races will now be voided, with stakes returned to customers.
For racing fans, the cancellation means a unusual pause in the week's sporting schedule. Attention will now quickly turn to whether Wednesday's cards, including the high-profile meeting at Cheltenham, can go ahead as planned, with further rain forecast in many regions.
This mass cancellation serves as a stark reminder of British weather's powerful influence over the national sport, bringing even the most resilient of courses to a standstill.
