BHA to inspect Lingfield's turf track on Tuesday ahead of key Derby and Oaks trials after course asked not to water in April

Lingfield faces a race against time to get the turf track ready for next weekend's Derby and Oaks trials, with the grounds team undertaking an around-the-clock watering schedule after the Environment Agency requested the track was not watered last month.

The request meant no water was applied to the track in an incredibly dry April, and consequently the BHA will inspect the track on Tuesday to decide if the fixture needs to be switched to the all-weather track.

Lingfield clerk of the course Stephanie Wethered used last month to install a new pump system and said: "The Environment Agency sought our cooperation not to water through April as it was such a dry month compared to other years.

"We commenced on May 1, which will continue on a 24-hour cycle through to racing if necessary. We're on day three and I'm in the tractor now for another stint.

"We're putting every effort into getting the ground conditions where they need to be for the inspection on Tuesday. Every effort is being put into being able to race on the turf come Saturday, but we do have the all-weather as a back-up.

"Our expectation is that racing will proceed as planned on the turf with good grass cover and appropriate going, with a changing weather pattern and forecast that will support the turf management plan."

Entries for the Listed William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes and William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes, as well as the Group 3 William Hill Chartwell Fillies' Stakes, close on Monday.

The valuable card was run on the all-weather in 2012 and in 2023 after a deluge left the track waterlogged, with Eternal Hope and Military Order winning the two Classic trials.

The Racing Post approached the Environment Agency for comment.

Read this next:

Tyson Fury lands knockout blow as Big Gypsy King provides former champion boxer with first winner as an owner 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.