Fakenham Racecourse Manager Contests Blame Following Race Abandonment

The manager of a racecourse has asserted that the venue bore “not at fault” for the necessity of abandoning a series of races after jockeys voiced concerns regarding safety. Stewards from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) cancelled the races, which took place at Fakenham Racecourse, Norfolk, on 18 October, concurring that the course was unsafe subsequent to the inaugural race. During the novice hurdle race, which covered a distance exceeding two miles, multiple jockeys were unseated from their mounts. David Hunter, the clerk of the course, indicated that Fakenham Racecourse intends to request the BHA to examine the circumstances surrounding the race and its preceding events. Mr Hunter expressed that he was “absolutely gutted” by the cancellation. He added, “Everybody was very complementary about the ground, it was a perfectly good jumping ground and safe ground.” Prior to the event, the initial set of hurdles had been removed because riders believed the sun’s reflection could impede their ability to clear them. Mr Hunter commented: “Jockeys went far too fast and bypassed the first hurdle.” He further noted, “These are horses that are young… none of them jumped the race particularly prettily.” Mr Hunter also stated: “You need to ride [the course] accordingly, part of the joys of British horse riding is that no two courses are the same.” A statement issued by the directors of Fakenham Racecourse via social media affirmed: “Horse and jockey welfare is the highest priority.” Fakenham Racecourse reported that several modifications have since been implemented on the course, including repositioning one hurdle further forward and maintaining the ground through targeted watering as required. James Owen, a trainer based in Newmarket, visited the course and successfully tested it with both a novice and an experienced horse. Fakenham Racecourse is scheduled to recommence races on Wednesday.