[T]he British Horse Racing Authority has confirmed an extra race day will take place at Carlisle Racecourse this coming Sunday (March 25).
The seven-race card has been announced after three of Carlisle’s last five meetings were abandoned due to bad weather. Cumbria’s premier racecourse lost fixtures on December 17, February 7 and March 18 due to snow and frozen ground.
The new fixture means there will be jumps racing at Carlisle over the next two weekends, on Sunday March 25 and then on Saturday March 31 – the course’s annual Easter family fun day.
Molly Dingwall, Jockey Club’s Group Trainee General Manager, said: “We were, of course, hugely disappointed to lose last weekend’s fixture at Carlisle due to the return of the sub-zero temperatures and snow.
“But it is fantastic the BHA has granted this extra fixture to Carlisle which means we will be back racing this coming Sunday and then again the following Saturday for our annual Easter Family Day.
“The course is looking fantastic. The ground staff have worked very hard and we are delighted their dedication, and the efforts of all the team here, has been rewarded with this extra fixture.
“We have seven races lined up and we can’t wait to open the gates and welcome racing fans here. It will be great to see you here.”
Entries for all of Sunday’s seven races will close noon tomorrow (Wednesday) with declarations on Friday.
Stuart Middleton, BHA Racing Operations Manager said: “We are extremely grateful to the Horserace Betting Levy Board for their continued support and to Carlisle for stepping in to stage this fixture following a number of recent abandonments in the north.
“The programme of races has been compiled following an assessment of the races lost in the region and the length of time horses would have needed to wait until the next opportunity in that category, as well as the existing programme.”
Gates open on Sunday at 12.15pm. First race is 2.15pm. Last Race 5.45pm Adult tickets are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). All under 18s get in free when accompanied by an adult.
