The Jockey Club has officially confirmed the abandonment of next Monday’s National Hunt meeting at Kempton, marking the second consecutive postponement of the venue’s jumps season opener. Track officials cited an inability to achieve the safe ground conditions required for National Hunt racing, a decision driven by a prolonged dry spell that has left the turf in a drought-like state. This latest setback follows the cancellation of the originally scheduled Sunday, 18 October, card, with no significant improvement in track moisture levels observed over the past two weeks.
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With the next scheduled National Hunt fixture now set for Monday, 23 November, the delay creates a significant gap in the early-season calendar for jump jockeys and connections. Clerk of the course Barney Clifford acknowledged the frustration, stating, “It’s disappointing for everybody really, but we are in a drought situation.” Clifford emphasized that the decision is strictly safety-driven, noting that the track has not received the necessary rainfall to soften the surface to a viable standard for steeplechasing and hurdle racing.
This development underscores the increasing impact of climate variability on the UK racing calendar, forcing organizers to prioritize horse welfare over strict scheduling. For bettors and fans, the shift means a compressed preparation window for trainers aiming to peak for late November, while the industry awaits the next weather forecast to determine if the 23 November date will hold firm. The repeated postponements highlight the delicate balance between commercial obligations and the physical safety of the athletes on the track.
Source: The Independent Sport
