'Disappointment' as race cancelled due to dry ground

There needs to be more rain before another race can go ahead at Taunton racecourse

Racecourse bosses have cancelled the first meeting of the season after a dry summer has left the ground too dangerous for the sport.

Taunton Races has called off its fixture on Thursday, which is the first time a meet has been pulled due to dry ground, organisers have said. The move follows Wincanton and Exeter both cancelling opening meets.

Robert Bellamy, clerk at Taunton race course, said this year's conditions are unprecedented.

"I feel terribly disappointed for all the team at Taunton, all the restaurant was booked out but it is what it is, my hands are tied," he added.

"We've had tonnes of rain in the last few days. Somehow, all this rain seems to scoot around the racecourse," Mr Bellamy added.

Taunton's heavy clay soil dried out over the summer and now needs more moisture to become a safe racing surface again, he said.

David Pipe, a horse racing trainer based in Somerset, said horse welfare is paramount.

"Horses that like soft ground run in the winter season, which tends to start in October, which is why it's frustrating for owners who are waiting to see their horses run," Mr Piper said.

Johnson White, a trainer based near Minehead, said it is becoming increasingly frustrating to train horses.

"I think it's difficult to tell what's going to happen going forward.

"Horses aren't running, so when you get horses on to the ground it will get very competitive," he added.

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