BHA bosses have been forced to apologise and rearrange a race – after realising it would take place in the dark.
The 5.05 1m2f Class 6 race at Newcastle scheduled for tonight will now be run on Saturday’s card.
PA:Press AssociationNewcastle’s floodlights only focus on the straight part of the course and not the bend[/caption]
The northern track has floodlights – but only on the straight course.
The 5.05 would have taken place after sunset, resulting in an ‘unsafe’ race, according to a BHA statement.
The statement read: “The BHA and Arena Racing Company (ARC) can confirm that the Find More Big Deals At BetUK Handicap (Class 6), which was due to be staged at Newcastle at 5.05pm today has been postponed and will be run as part of Saturday’s card at the same venue.
“This move has been agreed after it was identified this morning that the race, which is scheduled to take place over 1m2f42y on the round course, was due to go off after sunset.
“Only the straight course at Newcastle is covered by floodlights, meaning that it would not be safe to stage the race as planned due to low light.
“Connections of the ten declared runners have been contacted by the BHA to advise of this change, as well as to offer an apology and a reimbursement payment to assist with costs incurred in having made arrangements for the race to be staged as planned.
“The race will now be staged as part of Saturday’s card at Newcastle.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience and confusion resulting from this error.
“We will now take steps to identify what caused this issue to ensure it is not repeated.”
More to follow.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chases their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
