‘Sad state of affairs’ as BHA forced to abandon horse race due to ‘ridiculous’ reason

‘Sad state of affairs’ as BHA forced to abandon horse race due to ‘ridiculous’ reason

AN angry trainer has blasted a race being abandoned by the BHA due to a ‘ridiculous’ reason.

Henry Daly said it was a ‘sad state of affairs’ that led to a 3m2f handicap chase at Newton Abbot on Monday being cancelled.

PATrainer Henry Daly was due to have a runner in the race that was abandoned[/caption]

Just three runners had been due to compete in the contest but it was scrapped after declarations.

THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.

Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…

Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
New customer offer with Coral

Become a member today for just £1*

*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.

SIGN UP NOW

18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk

That was because the BHA are seeking to improve competitiveness and make races more appealing to punters.

Daly’s Jimmy The Digger was one of three due to run – and the trainer was left furious and worrying for the future after it was called off.

He told the Racing Post: “It’s a measure of the sad state of affairs we have got ourselves into as a sport.

“I can’t help but think this is a most ridiculous position for a sport to find itself in.”

Daly said it ‘looked bad’ that he had told the horse’s owner all they had to do was get round to earn guaranteed prize money.

And it was doubly bad that there was now nothing for Jimmy The Digger to run in until September 24.

He added: “Where is the encouragement to keep horses in training?

“There’s quite a lot of disappointment because of this, to put it politely.”

A BHA spokesman said the race, which was for horses rated 0-115, had been removed due to its lower rating ban than the other three-runner races on the card, which are 0-120s.

The first two races on the card have just three runners each.

While the biggest field of nine will contest the Class 4 2m1f three-year-old hurdle at 3.50pm.

Salisbury’s richest raceday of the year was called off last week owing to torrential rain.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing

Only gambles with money they can afford to lose

Never chases their losses

Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed

digital marketing

Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

back link building services=