York Racecourse has been forced to abandon the entire 2008 Ebor meeting due to waterlogging.
Yesterday (Tuesday 19 August) the decision was taken to cancel the first two days of the meeting. And a midday inspection today (Wednesday 20 August) determined that the remaining two days would be abandoned as well.
The course has failed to recover from the recent heavy rain and was deemed as unraceable.
William Derby, clerk of the course and chief executive of York Racecourse said: “This is hugely disappointing news for connections and racegoers alike. A further shower of rain fell this morning and the forecast is not encouraging.
“Simply, the track has not recovered and remains not suitable for racing on Wednesday lunchtime. Consequently we have decided to make an early announcement to allow connections and racegoers to make alternative plans.”
“It is bitterly disappointing that a festival that has been looked forward to for so long should fall victim to the weather.”
But the feature races of the meeting have been rescheduled for later this month at Newmarket and Newbury.
The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that The Darley Yorkshire Oaks, Coolmore Nunthorpe and DBS St Leger Yearling Sales Stakes will be run at Newmarket on Friday 22nd August.
The Totesport Ebor Handicap, renamed for one year only as the Totesport Newburgh Handicap, will be run at Newbury on Friday 22nd August.
And The Juddmonte International Stakes will be run at Newmarket on Saturday 23rd August.
Efforts are also being made to save the Ladbrokes Great Voltigeur and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes.
There will be now be no racing at York until May 2009 while the course undergoes a £2.5million redevelopment.
All badges and tickets booked in advance will be refunded.
www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
