The race meeting at Ffos Las has been moved to an earlier start time on Wednesday, August 12, to avoid the effects of a partial solar eclipse expected to be visible across the UK.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced the change, bringing the start forward from 5.40pm to 3.35pm. The decision was made to ensure the meeting concludes before the eclipse, which is set to reach maximum coverage around 7.00pm, when approximately 90 percent of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
Eclipse details
The partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, blocking sunlight in certain locations. It is estimated that 90-96 percent of the Sun will be covered. According to the Royal Observatory, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon.
The Moon is expected to begin covering the sun from 6.17pm in London, reaching maximum coverage just under an hour later, and moving away by about 8.06pm. Unlike a total eclipse, the sky will not plunge into darkness but will appear more like a cloudy day close to dusk.
Safety and scheduling
The BHA stated: “While it is unclear how much light will be lost as a result of the eclipse, with 90 per cent coverage of the sun expected at approximately 7.00pm, the decision has been taken to begin racing at 3.35pm.”
The statement added: “An earlier start time will allow the meeting to be concluded before the eclipse, ensuring the safety of participants will not be impacted by potential low visibility. The race programme will be staged as scheduled and there are no concerns for the other evening fixture at Kempton Park, which will be able to utilise floodlights as necessary.”
