3 minute read

Lingfield's Derby Trial card switched to all-weather after thunderstorms caused the track to become unraceable...

This Saturday's Lingfield Derby Trial card has been moved onto the all-weather track due to the turf course being judged unraceable following a deluge of rain on Tuesday.

The round course, which holds both the Derby and Oaks trial, was subject to a going change on Wednesday with it being updated to heavy, soft in places – waterlogging in places.

A BHA statement explained: "A BHA inspection of the course on Wednesday morning found the turf track to be unraceable due to waterlogging. It is considered unlikely that conditions will have improved sufficiently by Saturday to allow any races to take place on the turf safely. Therefore, also taking into account the weather forecast suggesting further rain, the BHA has made the decision to switch the surface at this time to offer certainty for connections to confirm their running plans."

"The race programme, including the Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes, the Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes and the Chartwell Fillies' Stakes, will remain as scheduled, with the Oaks and Derby trials to be contested over 1m4f as opposed to 1m3f133y."

"All existing entries will be cancelled, with the races re-opened for new entries to close at 12 noon on Thursday 11 May, prior to 24-hour declarations at 10:00am on Friday 12 May."

"All original entrants must re-enter if they wish to run, whilst the races are now open to all other eligible horses, whether they had previously entered or not."

It will be the first time the Lingfield Derby Trial card has been run on the all-weather since 2012.

The eight-race card that features the Oaks Trial (3.00) and Derby Trial will be shown live on ITV4.