Extreme heat forces British meetings to be called off

A heatwave gripping the UK and large parts of Europe has forced the British Horseracing Authority to abandon four race meetings scheduled for Wednesday owing to the high temperatures.

The BHA acted on an extreme “red” heat warning issued for the Midlands, southern England and Wales for Wednesday and Thursday by calling off fixtures at Kempton Park, Sailsbury, Worcester and Ffos Las.

“The BHA’s hot weather policy states that where racecourses fall within a red warning zone, the fixture will be abandoned. In addition, horses must not be travelled from or through areas that have red warnings in place,” the BHA said.

“The decision to abandon the fixtures has been taken in conjunction with the racecourses with a view to mitigating any risk to the health and wellbeing of equine and human participants.”

The BHA also reminded trainers that horses should not be moved from or through any areas where red heat warnings are in place.