Fontwell calls off last two races on Boxing Day card after persistent rain

The last two races on Fontwell's Boxing Day card were abandoned on safety grounds after jockeys raised concerns about the saturated ground.

The Sussex track became the latest to succumb to the ravages of the weather this winter with incessant rain from 10am resulting in 16mm hitting the track, although it had stopped just before the inspection was called.

Not all the riders were happy with the decision, with many of the conditional jockeys set to have their only ride of the day in the concluding handicap hurdle confined to claiming riders.

Former leading amateur rider and point-to-point trainer Alan Hill, owner of Shimba Hills, asked: "Is this a winter sport or just a summer one now?"

Richard Johnson: voiced his concern at the Fontwell ground after victory on Dostal PhilCredit: Harry Trump

Even though champion jockey Richard Johnson won the last race run on Dostal Phil, he was one of the riders to raise concerns with the stewards, who immediately called an inspection attended by riders and trainers.

Sam Angell, the chief steward, said: "There was standing water on the track. It was very deep ground and it cut up.

"There were more staying races to come and concerns about the pull-up areas. We discussed moving the rails, but with daylight hours at this time of year and the time it would take to move the rails it was not feasible."

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