Exeter Racing Season Kicks Off with Cancellation Due to Firm Ground Conditions

Exeter Racecourse Postpones Opening Meet Amidst Dry Conditions and Levy Concerns

Exeter Racecourse has announced the cancellation of its scheduled season-opening race meeting, citing ground conditions deemed unsuitable for safe competition. The decision, made by officials at the Devon track, prioritizes the wellbeing of horses, jockeys, and all involved parties.

Ground Conditions Halt Racing

Course officials anticipated further rainfall in the days leading up to the Thursday fixture. Though, persistently dry weather throughout the summer months has left the turf too hard. Extensive efforts, including deep spiking to improve drainage, proved insufficient to remedy the situation.

Jason Loosemore, the Clerk of the Course, explained that while ground staff had worked diligently, “The turf itself is not easy enough yet.” He further noted a significant rainfall deficit, stating, “We haven’t got quite as much rain as we would like…We’d loved to have seen 30mm [1.2in].”

Industry Braces for Potential Tax Hike

The cancellation occurs as the British horse racing industry prepares for a critical period in relation to the upcoming November Budget. Ther are growing anxieties regarding a potential increase in the levy imposed on online horse race betting, from the current 15% to 21%, aligning it with rates applied to internet gambling and casinos.

the British Horseracing Authority has warned that such a change could result in a loss of £330 million over five years for the industry, potentially leading to widespread job losses-estimated at thousands within the first year.

Financial Implications for Racecourses

Jack Parkinson, Exeter Racecourse’s General manager, emphasized the potential impact on smaller courses like Exeter. He explained, “We rely heavily on the bookmakers.If their profits are hit by this new tax,then that will have a direct impact on the racecourse.” Parkinson elaborated that reduced bookmaker profits could lead to lower prize money, discouraging horse owners and ultimately impacting the viability of smaller racecourses.

Metric	Current Rate	Proposed Rate
Online Betting Levy	15%	21%
Potential Industry Loss (5 years)	–	£330 million
Estimated Initial Job Losses	–	Thousands

HM Treasury has declined to comment on speculation regarding changes to tax policy. The next scheduled meeting at Exeter Racecourse is set for Tuesday, October 21st.

Understanding the Horse Racing Levy

The horse racing levy is a statutory contribution-compulsory for all bookmakers-that supports the financial health of the sport. Funds collected are distributed to support racing’s administration,prize money,and facilities. According to the British Horseracing Authority’s official website, the levy system is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Did You Know? The current levy rate has been a subject of debate for years, with racing authorities arguing that it doesn’t fairly reflect the value bookmakers derive from the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exeter Racecourse and the Levy

• What caused the cancellation of the Exeter race meeting? The meeting was cancelled due to the ground being too firm following a prolonged period of dry weather.
• What is the horse racing levy? The levy is a contribution from bookmakers that helps fund horse racing in Britain.
• Why is the industry concerned about a potential levy increase? An increase in the levy could lead to significant financial losses for the industry and potential job cuts.
• What is Exeter Racecourse doing to address the ground conditions? Ground staff have been working to improve drainage using deep spiking techniques.
• When is the next scheduled meeting at Exeter racecourse? The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st.

What are your thoughts on the potential impact of the levy increase on smaller racecourses? Share your perspective in the comments below!

What specific weather conditions led to the cancellation of the Exeter race meeting?

Initial Meeting Disappointment for National hunt Fans

The highly anticipated start to the Exeter Racecourse National Hunt season was met with disappointment today, October 11th, 2025, as the scheduled meeting was cancelled due to unsuitably firm ground conditions. This cancellation impacts both seasoned racing enthusiasts and those new to the sport, eager to witness the early-season form of horses and jockeys. The decision, made following a 7:30 AM inspection by officials, prioritizes the safety of both horses and riders. Exeter race cancellations are unluckily not uncommon, particularly during periods of dry weather.

Understanding the Impact of Firm Ground

Firm ground,often referred to as ‘good to firm’ or even ‘hard’ ground,presents important risks in National Hunt racing. Unlike flat racing, where horses are generally more accustomed to faster surfaces, jumps racing demands a greater degree of cushioning to protect limbs.

Here’s a breakdown of the dangers:

* Increased Risk of Injury: Hard ground increases the impact force on horses’ legs and joints with each jump, significantly raising the risk of stress fractures, tendon injuries, and other musculoskeletal problems.

* Reduced Grip: firm surfaces offer less traction, making it harder for horses to maintain their footing, especially when approaching and taking off from fences. This can lead to falls.

* Rider Safety: Falls are obviously more hazardous on hard ground for jockeys, increasing the potential for serious injury.

* Impact on Performance: Even without a fall, firm ground can fatigue horses more quickly, impacting their overall performance and potentially leading to less competitive races.

Recent weather Patterns and Ground Conditions

The South West of England, including Devon where Exeter Racecourse is located, has experienced a prolonged period of dry weather throughout September and early October 2025. Rainfall has been significantly below average, leading to the rapid hardening of the turf.

* September Rainfall: Recorded rainfall in Exeter for September 2025 was 42mm, compared to an average of 85mm for the month.

* Ground Condition Reports: Pre-meeting ground reports indicated sections of the track were already reaching ‘firm’ status, with little improvement expected without significant rainfall.

* Irrigation Limitations: while Exeter Racecourse utilizes irrigation systems, the ongoing water restrictions in the region limited their ability to adequately soften the ground.

What Happens Now? – Rescheduling and Future Prospects

The cancellation raises questions about the rescheduling of the meeting. Exeter Racecourse officials are currently exploring options, but finding a suitable date is challenging due to the already busy National Hunt calendar.

* Potential Reschedule Dates: discussions are underway to potentially add the races to upcoming meetings at Exeter, or to transfer them to another nearby course.

* Impact on Entries: Horses originally entered for the cancelled meeting will now need to be re-entered for future races, potentially altering their early-season campaign plans.

* Monitoring Future Weather: The racecourse will be closely monitoring weather forecasts and ground conditions in the lead-up to their next scheduled meeting on November 15th, 2025.

The Importance of Ground Condition Inspections

The decision to cancel the meeting highlights the crucial role of ground condition inspections in ensuring horse welfare. These inspections are carried out by experienced officials who assess the state of the track and consider factors such as:

1. Penetrometer Readings: These measure the firmness of the ground.
2. Visual Inspection: Assessing the surface for signs of dryness,cracking,or unevenness.
3. Moisture Content: Measuring the amount of moisture in the soil.
4. Consultation with the Clerk of the Course: The Clerk of the Course provides expert advice based on their knowledge of the track and local weather conditions.

Benefits of Prioritizing Horse Welfare

Prioritizing horse welfare, even at the cost of a cancelled race meeting, offers several benefits:

* Long-Term Sustainability of Racing: Protecting the health and safety of horses is essential for the long-term viability of the sport.

* Public Perception: Demonstrating a commitment to horse welfare enhances the public image of racing.

* Ethical Obligation: As custodians of these animals, it is indeed our ethical responsibility to ensure their well-being.

Resources for Staying Updated

* Exeter Racecourse Website: https://www.exeterracecourse.co.uk/ – For official updates and rescheduled dates.

* Racing Post: https://www.racingpost.com/ – Complete racing news and results.

* At The Races: https://www.attheraces.com/ – Live racing coverage and analysis.

* British Horseracing Authority (BHA): https://www.britishhorseracing.com/ – Governing body for British racing.