Epsom loses Thursday card as curse of the chafer grub strikes again

Chafer grubs have struck again, with Epsom forced to cancel Thursday afternoon's meeting after an infestation affected areas of the racing surface.

Chafer grubs – which feed on the root system of grass – are prevalent at this time of year and have previously caused fixtures at Bath to be cancelled, while they have also disrupted racing programmes at other tracks, including Goodwood and Epsom.

Jockey Club Racecourses announced Epsom's cancellation on Monday evening, with Epsom clerk of the course Andrew Cooper saying: "We are very disappointed to lose the fixture.

"This is a problem that can arise overnight and was identified earlier today during a routine walk of the course ahead of racing on Thursday.

“We immediately contacted the BHA's senior inspector of courses Richard Linley, who inspected the course late afternoon. We agreed it was necessary on safety grounds to abandon this week’s racing."

Cooper added: “We will immediately commence remedial works on the affected areas and in due course review the raceability of this season’s one remaining fixture on September 30.”

All customers who have already purchased tickets will receive an automatic full refund to the card used for payment. Hospitality guests will be contacted by telephone.

Epsom members will be able to gain free entry to a Sandown fixture, either on Friday or a week on Wednesday, on presentation of their membership badge or card in lieu of Thursday's lost fixture.

There are still three other meetings on Thursday afternoon, at Ffos Las, Doncaster and Listowel.

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