Pontefract becomes latest victim of Storm Babet as Monday's card cancelled due to waterlogging

Monday's fixture at Pontefract has become the latest victim of the weather, with the seven-race card featuring the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes cancelled due to waterlogging.

It comes after fixtures at Stratford and Market Rasen did not take place on Saturday, while scheduled meetings at Southwell on Monday and Worcester on Wednesday have been called off due to flooding.

Pontefract was hit with 90mm of rain since Wednesday as Storm Babet battered Britain this week, leaving standing water on parts of the track. It was the track's final fixture of the season.

Clerk of the course Richard Hammill said: "We had 90mm of rain and we've still got standing water in a couple of places. The rain has soaked in and it's become quite unstable in a few places. It's just one of things, a lot of rain at this time of the year has beaten us on this occasion.

"If we had 90mm in the summer it would've been challenging but after 15 meetings and at this time of year its made it nearly impossible."

Hammill said it was unlikely the Listed feature would be rescheduled and said the track was disappointed not to stage one of its biggest prizes. Five runners were set to feature including Amo Racing's Poniros and recent 11-length winner Ice Max.

"It's a real shame," added Hammil. "The Silver Tankard is a great race for us, Westover was just beaten in it a few years ago, so it's a good race on our calendar. Unfortunately there wasn't much of a decision to make, it was made for us by the weather and it was inevitable."

There are no further inspections scheduled for next week but Yarmouth, where the going is heavy, warned a precautionary look could be required on Monday morning ahead of racing the following day. 

The track is raceable but further rain is forecast on Monday night into Tuesday morning. As much as 13-15mm of rain could fall, potentially putting the fixture at risk.

Clerk of the course Richard Aldous said: "We're due a band of rain and we don't want to be caught short, so we'll see what the updated forecast is in the morning. If it still has a top end of 13-15mm of rain then we'll call the inspection. I think it's sensible to let everyone know where we could be going.

"At the moment we're raceable and we've got dry days on Sunday and Monday, so fingers crossed. We'll need the weather to play ball but that's the way it is at this time of year."

Read more . . .

'I know it's going to be very tough but I'm also very determined. I just hope I haven't used up all my luck' 

Floods sink Southwell and Worcester as Storm Babet puts both courses under water 

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