Mixed reaction as track introduces padded hurdles

Bangor became the third course to replace its traditional birch hurdles with 'one-fit' padded ones yesterday and the switch received a mixed response.

The modified hurdle design first used at Newton Abbot in 2013 and then installed at Taunton the following year has been researched and developed by the BHA in a bid to improve safety and reduce injury.

The track was approached by Richard Linley, senior inspector of courses at the BHA, and agreed to trial the hurdles, and plans are in place to roll them out to Kelso and Uttoxeter in September.