Southwell becomes third track in a week to abandon due to fog

The woes of fog causing havoc across meetings in Britain and Ireland in recent days continued as Southwell on Friday became the third track to abandon due to poor visibility for jockeys following the cancellation of cards at Punchestown and Chelmsford.

The first three races on the evening card went ahead as planned but an inspection was held after the third race at the Nottinghamshire track as more fog descended on the track. However, it was deemed fit for racing by officials and jockeys who inspected the back and home straights and who believed the fog was lifting.

However, visibility again became worse after the mile handicap won by Amadeus Grey and, with heavy fog forecast to remain until the morning, the decision was made to call off the remaining three races.

'It wasn't safe to carry on'

Paul Barker, Southwell's clerk of the course, said: "The jockeys came in saying visibility had deteriorated following the inspection from the third race and their goggles were steaming up. It wasn't safe to carry on and that was the opinion of everyone.

"It cleared around the third race but then moved in again. There was no way it was going to clear – the weather beat us unfortunately. It's frustrating not to get to the end of the card but the welfare of all participants is the most important thing."

Fog has been a problem at other tracks this week, with the card at Punchestown on Sunday cancelled after Min's victory in the John Durkan Chase, and Chelmsford's all-weather card a day later abandoned after one race.

Southwell results

Barker does not remember an incident when racing at Southwell has been abandoned due to fog, and the clerk of the course is unsure of whether the final three races of the card can be restaged.

He added: "I chatted to the stewards and jockeys afterwards and we cannot remember having to abandon for fog in many years. It's very unfortunate off the back of what's happened in the last week, especially at another all-weather track.

"I have no idea if we can save the races. We race again three times on the all-weather next week so whether there is an opportunity there I don't know."

As well as three Fibresand fixtures next week, the track is set to stage a jumps meeting on Sunday.

Despite the abandonment, the evergreen Duke Of Firenze rolled back the years to win the 5f handicap on the card under 7lb claimer Laura Pearson to give the David Griffiths-trained 11-year-old a tenth victory from 96 career starts.

Read more:

Min pierces through thick fog to land third John Durkan before card is abandoned

One and done: Chelmsford all-weather fixture abandoned due to fog

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!