Racing can play it cool as temperature drop allows resumption of full programme

Temperatures are forecast to drop to closer to average for July from Wednesday bringing welcome relief to the racing industry after two days of record-breaking figures on the thermometer that forced the cancellation of fixtures and substantially altered working patterns.

Seven meetings are due to take place in Britain and Ireland, with the Levy Board estimating it had forfeited income in excess of £250,000 as a result of the meetings cancelled on Monday and yesterday by the BHA due to the heat.

A Met Office red weather warning for extreme heat expires on Tuesday night, with the highest-ever temperatures in England and Wales recorded during the last 48 hours.