Racing to Return at Yarmouth in August

6 July 2015 – Racing Post

Arena Racing Company has set a date of August 30 for the return of racing at Yarmouth where there had been fears that it might not reopen at all in 2015. The track’s owners had aimed for racing to resume on July 23 following its closure in September to allow resurfacing to take place after a number of ridges had developed. However the Arc executive, in conjunction with Professional Sportsturf Design and the BHA, has decided to give the track another month for the turf to develop and strengthen before recommencing racing.

That will leave Yarmouth six fixtures in 2015, including the three-day festival in September, subject to passing a BHA inspection which includes a trial gallop in mid-August. The six fixtures which were due to take place before August 30 will be rescheduled to other courses once Arc and BHA come to an agreement.

Arc’s racing operations director Jon Pullin said: “We have always said we are committed to ensuring each of our racecourses provides the best possible conditions for horses to race on, be that a synthetic racing surface or turf. “While we are keen to recommence racing at Great Yarmouth we can only do so when we are confident that the racing surface is absolutely safe for horses and jockeys and will withstand the remainder of the 2015 programme. We can now be confident that an extra month of growth will ensure the track will be ready for August 30. “I would like to thank horsemen and racegoers for the patience and support they have shown and apologise for any inconvenience caused by racing recommencing later than originally planned. “This is in the best interests of Great Yarmouth Racecourse and means we can all enjoy racing at the track for many years to come.”

Customers who have booked tickets or hospitality for any of the transferred fixtures will be offered alternative dates – subject to availability – or a full refund. Annual members will be offered complimentary membership for 2015 while any member who has already paid will be refunded in full.