Not just title-chasers who are living their lives in a hurricane

It was an early start for Dougie Costello on Tuesday, the hottest September day in more than a century.

He was up with the birds for a five-hour drive to Yarmouth, where he had one ride in the last race, but at the end of a long, hot journey he discovered the final contest had been abandoned after the track discovered a mysterious wet patch near the five-furlong start and scrapped the race on safety grounds.

Tuesday was unique for Costello only in its slightly absurd ending, for riders like him are well used to long trips for slim pickings. Even if Costello had taken part with his one ride at Yarmouth it is hard to see how he could have made much money on the day, especially if he had failed to be placed.