Following an inspection by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) at Haydock Park Racecourse today, the Friday 18th October racing fixture has been called off due to a waterlogged track.

During September, the racecourse received twice the average rainfall with 160 millimetres of precipitation. There has already been a substantial level of rainfall in October, with 10 millimetres of rain overnight into today and a forecast of substantial rain throughout next week, removing the prospect of the track being raceable.

Dickon White, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses North West, said “We are extremely disappointed to have to abandon next Friday’s racing, which was going to help to promote the important charity, Racing Welfare.

“The abandonment is due to an unprecedented amount of rainfall during September plus the early part of October has also been very wet. With further substantial rain predicted next week, this decision is sadly unavoidable. The track is heavily waterlogged and, as always, safety is paramount for all of our equine and human participants at Haydock Park.

“We and the BHA wanted to give racegoers and participants as much notice as possible and of course there will be full refunds to everyone who has purchased tickets in advance.”

Racegoers who have purchased tickets in advance should head https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/haydock/ for details of how to apply for refunds.

Jump Racing returns to Haydock Park on Saturday, November 23, Betfair Chase Day.