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Pontefract passes inspection for Monday's fixture but marathon race scrapped and race schedule altered

PONTEFRACT, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Flint Hill ridden by jockey Graham Lee leads on their way to winning the Tony Bethell Memorial Handicap (Round 3 Of The Pontefract Stayers Championship 2021) at Pontefract racecourse on June 7, 2021 in Pontefract, England. (
Pontefract: fixture will now be made up of seven races rather than eightCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

Monday's fixture at Pontefract has passed its 8am inspection, but there will be one less race on the card after the 2m5½f handicap (4.25) was scrapped due to some areas of standing water on the course.

There were no signs of any problems at the track over the weekend, but heavy morning rain forced officials to arrange an inspection. 

The fixture got the go-ahead, but became a seven-race card following the loss of the sixth race. The meeting has been due to start at 1.52, but will now begin at 2.22 with the races then following the previously stated times.

Clerk of the course Richard Hammill said: "It seems to be a recurring theme that we've had more rain than forecast and are up to 6.5mm this morning. We're absolutely fine for all the other races, but we've lost the long-distance race because the back of the lake has always been that bit softer and with that rain we've got standing water there. We only use that section of the track for races over a mile and half.

"We're soft, heavy in places as the rest of the course is absolutely fine, although it will be quite testing. The rain is due to continue to lunchtime with possibly another 3-4mm, so I'm not ruling out a change to the going before racing. The rest of the course will take that rain without any bother."

Updated Pontefract race schedule

Race 1: 2.22 (was 1.52) 5f novice
Race 2: 2.52 (was 2.22) 6f handicap
Race 3: 3.22 (was 2.52) 1m2f handicap
Race 4: 3.55 (was 3.22) 1m handicap, division one
Race 5: 4.25 (was 3.55) 1m handicap, division two
Race 6: 5.00 (no change) 6f novice
Race 7: 5.30 (no change) 5f handicap


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'He holds an outstanding chance at the weights' - Richard Birch bids to follow up Sunday's 6-1 winner 

Richard Birch's play of the day at Hexham 

Monday's free racing tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiples 


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