Racing at Salisbury pushed back to avoid peak temperatures
Salisbury Racecourse has agreed to delay its scheduled afternoon meeting until the evening on Thursday as the South West braces for another spell of very hot weather. The British Horseracing Authority approved the request to switch the card from a 2.30pm start to 5.30pm in an effort to reduce the risk to horses and staff during the hottest part of the day.
The decision follows forecasts that the UK will experience its fifth heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to peak on Thursday. Although the Met Office had not issued a formal warning at the time of the change, Salisbury management said the later start should bring “kinder conditions” thanks to predicted lower temperatures and humidity and the possibility of a cooler sea breeze.
- Original start time: 2.30pm
- New start time: 5.30pm
- Reason: anticipated peak temperatures and humidity on Thursday
The scheduling move mirrors similar adjustments elsewhere in the racing calendar. At Windsor, for example, the order of races for an evening meeting has been altered so that the longer contests take place later in the card, aiming to avoid the warmest period.
Beyond the immediate scheduling change, the prolonged hot spell is raising longer-term concerns in the racing community. Trainers who focus on National Hunt preparation are already thinking about the prospect of unusually firm or even fast ground persisting into the autumn — a scenario that could complicate preparations for early-season jump fixtures.
One of the most prominent voices in nearby Lambourn, home to many National Hunt yards, described the situation as unusual and a cause for careful planning. He noted that most of his stable have returned to work and that the weather is forcing trainers to assess how far forward to bring horses in their programmes.
“We’ve got to make a decision with our horses how far forward we want to get as they’re nearly all back in now and if not here they’re prepping somewhere else. All the main protagonists are here and we’re going through our normal routine as we would always do at this time of year getting ready to start as if things are normal. But the weather is not normal and some of the racecourses might be getting concerned and the gallops are going to be the same as the racecourses.”
The trainer, based at the Seven Barrows yard, added that while grass gallops are valuable to his operation, current conditions mean some tracks could face a real challenge. He emphasised that, despite the heat, preparations are continuing as usual.
Local implications and what to expect
For Salisbury residents and racegoers, the main immediate impact is practical: earlier plans for afternoon attendance will need to be adjusted to an evening timetable. Racecourse staff have signalled that the later start should both improve horse welfare and enhance spectator comfort as temperatures ease.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Meeting originally scheduled | 2.30pm start |
| Revised start | 5.30pm start |
| Authority approving change | British Horseracing Authority |
Beyond the course gates, local trainers and stable staff are watching forecasts closely. A sustained run of dry, hot weather affects not only racing timetables but also the condition of gallops and the timing of schooling. In the short term, evening meetings are a sensible mitigation for heat; in the medium term, continued dryness could force more significant changes to the autumn and winter calendar if ground conditions remain unusually firm.
Racegoers planning to attend are advised to check the racecourse website and social channels for any further updates, and to take sensible precautions for hot weather during travel and while at the course. For many in the local racing fraternity, relief would come with some timely rainfall — but until then, organisers and trainers will carry on adapting to conditions as best they can.
