Heavy weather forces Grade 2 Towton Novices’ chase from Wetherby to Ffos Las’ soft track

Ffos Las Racecourse in Carmarthenshire has stepped up to host the prestigious Grade 2 Towton Novices’ Chase this Saturday after poor weather made Wetherby unsuitable. This quick change ensures racing fans won’t miss out on one of the season’s highlights.

Saturday’s eight-race card will now feature the £40,000 Towton Novices’ Chase, Ffos Las’ second-most lucrative event of the year. It trails only the £50,000 Welsh Champion Hurdle, held in October. The race is expected to attract a strong line-up of contenders eager to compete for the significant prize pot.

Recent weather chaos across the UK has severely disrupted the racing calendar, with heavy rain, snow, and freezing temperatures leading to widespread cancellations. In this climate of uncertainty, Ffos Las offers a beacon of hope for the jumps racing community. The going is officially “soft,” and weather forecasts suggest a favourable window for Saturday’s event, pending a final inspection at 07:30 GMT on race day.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) praised Ffos Las for stepping in at short notice. “The track at Ffos Las is currently raceable and provided the best chance to salvage a jumps fixture for participants and customers on Saturday afternoon,” the BHA said. “While there is a small risk that conditions could deteriorate, this move was made to ensure the Towton Novices’ Chase could proceed.”

Ffos Las, nestled near Trimsaran in Carmarthenshire, has been a staple of Welsh racing since its opening in 2009. Known for its picturesque surroundings and strong community ties, the racecourse has handled this last-minute adjustment with poise, earning praise from fans and officials alike.

The Towton Novices’ Chase has long been a pivotal event in the National Hunt calendar, showcasing rising stars in the sport. With this unexpected switch, all eyes will be on Ffos Las to see how it handles the spotlight.

This meeting underscores the resilience of the racing community in the face of challenging weather. Ffos Las’ quick adaptation not only preserves the sport’s continuity but also delivers an exciting opportunity for local fans to witness top-tier racing on home turf.

With the weather finally showing signs of cooperation, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exhilarating day of racing. If all goes to plan, Ffos Las will once again prove itself as a key player in the UK’s horse racing scene.