Dubai World Cup card pushed back an hour due to forecast 39C on Saturday

The Dubai World Cup card schedule has been pushed back an hour due to forecast high temperatures at Meydan on Saturday.

There is a potential high of 39C at the track, leading to the Dubai Racing Club amending the race times to ensure the comfort of participants and racegoers.

The Dubai World Cup will now be run at 6.30pm (BST), with the Al Quoz Sprint taking place at 3.20pm (BST), the Dubai Turf at 5.15pm (BST) and the Dubai Sheema Classic at 5.50pm (BST), with the Meydan card televised on Racing TV.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said: “Ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of horses, jockeys and guests is our top priority, the decision has been made to adjust the start time of Dubai World Cup day. 

“We remain fully committed to delivering an exceptional event filled with thrilling horseracing, world-class hospitality and a truly magical atmosphere befitting the Dubai World Cup."

Leading local trainers support next month's Middleham Open Day

Karl Burke, Charlie Johnston and Patrick Neville will be among the nine trainers opening their doors for the public at next month’s Middleham Open Day.

Sponsored by Arena Racing, the day will raise funds for Racing Welfare and allow racing fans the opportunity to tour some of the country’s leading stables on April 18.

Neville, trainer of Grade 1-winner The Real Whacker, said: “My team and I are excited to be involved in the Middleham Open Day as this is the first time. We will be available on the day to answer any questions and for photo opportunities.”

The event will also feature Retraining of Racehorses classes, activities for children such as face painting, and a dog show all taking place on the Low Moor.

For more information, including a full list of participating racing establishments, and to buy your tickets, visit: www.middlehamopenday.co.uk

Four men bailed following brawl at Newbury Racecourse station on Saturday

Four men have been bailed after being arrested for affray following a fight at Newbury Racecourse station on Saturday evening.

The men, one 58-year-old and three 22-year-olds, were arrested after police were called to a brawl involving 20 people that took place following Newbury's jumps finale meeting at the weekend.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Newbury Racecourse railway station at around 6.25pm on Saturday following reports of a fight on the platform.

"Officers attended and four men were arrested on suspicion of affray. All four have since been bailed while inquiries continue.”

Newbury announces £50,000 Mill Reef bonus and prize-money increase for two Group 2s this season

Newbury has introduced a new £50,000 bonus that will be awarded to winner of a juvenile race this season who follows up in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes on September 20.

The course has also announced a £25,000 increase in prize-money for both the Mill Reef and Group 2 Hungerford Stakes, which takes place on August 16. The latter will now be worth £125,000, while the Mill Reef has been increased to £150,000. The bonus, if landed, will lead to £40,000 being presented to the winning owner, while £10,000 will go to the stable staff at the winning yard.

Andrew Balding, who won the Mill Reef with Array in 2023, said: "It's very positive news to hear of the additional prize-money on offer in both of Newbury’s Group 2 races this season.

"The new incentive of the bonus will definitely be influential in deciding where to run for any owners who are fortunate to have an exciting two-year-old prospect. Our family owes a lot to Mill Reef, so it's nice to see the race named in his honour receive this additional support. 

"It's also pleasing to see Newbury further supporting the stable staff who work so hard behind the scenes with a proportion of the bonus going directly to them."

Clerk of the course George Hill added: "This highlights our ongoing commitment to increasing the prize-money on offer to attract the best horses and guarantee competitive and compelling racing action."

The first juvenile race at the Berkshire track takes place on day one of the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials fixture on April 11.

The Front Runner is our unmissable email newsletter available exclusively to Racing Post+ subscribers. Chris Cook provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Racing Post+ subscriber? Join today