Haydock Park will not host race meetings until at least mid-July after four more fixtures were cancelled on Wednesday. The track has been closed since last month's Temple Stakes meeting when a hole was discovered in the surface following a horse stumbling during the first race on the outer track.
Hole discovered near 2f pole
An elbow-deep hole was found near the 2f pole, leading stewards to abandon three races on the round course and run only sprint races on the inner track, which had been used on two previous days. Investigations continued, and two more meetings scheduled the following week were also cancelled as the inner course was deemed unfit for racing.
Further cancellations announced
In the latest update, Haydock Park confirmed the raceday scheduled for Saturday, June 20 and the Old Newton Cup Meeting, due from July 2 to 4, have been cancelled. The June 20 race programme will be moved to Nottingham Racecourse, but the Tom Grennan concert originally scheduled after racing will proceed at Haydock Park as planned.
The Jockey Club said all ticket purchasers and hospitality guests will be contacted directly with further information about the concert and refund process. The July 2 race programme will be transferred to Nottingham Racecourse, while the Old Newton Cup raceday on July 4, featuring the Lancashire Oaks, will be moved to Newmarket's July Course. Plans for the July 3 card will be announced in due course.
Investigations ongoing
Daniel Cooper, Clerk of the Course at Haydock Park, said: “Following extensive investigations, independent experts continue to investigate the cause of the hole which appeared on the outer course, but findings suggest it may be linked to historic mining activity in the area. However, further work is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn and therefore, we are working closely with specialist contractors to confirm the cause and conduct the necessary remedial works in the affected area.”
He added: “In addition, we are utilising a Ground Penetrating Radar across the entire course to provide further information and assurance. Given the time required to complete these surveys, analyse the findings, and identify and carry out the necessary repairs to the outer track, we wanted to provide clarity on upcoming fixtures for all participants, members and racegoers.”
