Racecourse left underwater after deadly Storm Babet breaches flood defences and causes mass cancellations
THIS helpless racecourse is underwater after Storm Babet breached flood defences and engulfed the track.
There will be no racing at ‘all weather’ venue Southwell until November 15 at the very earliest.
A shocking aerial photo shared online shows most of the track, the grandstand and the car park totally submerged.
Five meetings at the Nottinghamshire track – owned by Arena Racing Company – have been abandoned after the nearby River Greet burst its banks.
Mark Spincer, managing director of Arc’s racing division, said: “Storm Babet has caused significant amount of damage in the area, with the River Greet reaching record high levels and breaching the flood defences around the racecourse.
“Numerous areas of the racecourse, including the track, remain underwater today and it is likely to be a few more days until we can fully understand the impact to both the turf and tapeta tracks, and any further damage to facilities.
“As and when we have a clearer picture, we will issue a further update with regards ongoing fixtures scheduled from 15 November onwards.”
Southwell is particularly prone to flooding and shut for five months in 2007 and three months over the winter of 2012.
Worcester racecourse has also been ravaged by the storm, with one photo from the track showing it completely flooded.
They were forced to cancel Monday’s racing while tomorrow’s card has also been abandoned.
Yarmouth is also off today with yesterday’s action at Pontefract called off due to waterlogging.
More rain is set to fall and there remains a risk to life with seven people so far having sadly died as a result of the freakish weather.
There are expected to be further floods in the East Midlands and much of Yorkshire.
The Met Office has warned homes and businesses could be flooded while fast-flowing and deep floodwater poses a danger to life.
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