West Country trainers could be forced to travel if dry weather persists

The knock-on effects of Britain's long, hot summer are being felt by jumps tracks in the West Country and a continuation of firm ground is likely to mean local trainers could be forced to travel far in order to run their horses.

On Tuesday it was revealed by the Racing Post that the opening fixtures at Exeter, Taunton and Wincanton next month are all in doubt due to the ground being too fast following prolonged dry spells. That could mean several of the big training operations in the area are forced to go further afield in search of better ground, including Harry Fry.

Based in Seaborough, Dorset, Fry can reach all three tracks in around an hour, but his team might be forced to rack up the miles should the rain not arrive in the next few weeks.