Doncaster given the green light

Doncaster Racecourse has passed a precautionary inspection on Saturday morning and the eight-race Kameko Futurity Trophy card will go ahead.

Racecourse : Doncaster (Great Britain)
Racecourse : Doncaster (Great Britain) Picture: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Although the racecourse were unable to run day one of the fixture, held on Friday, officials have been able to move the running rail to ensure the worst ground can be avoided.

The highlight of the card will be the second race - the Group 1 Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes - where Godolphin's Ancient Wisdom currently edges favouritism over Ballydoyle's Diego Velazquez. A two million euro purchase as a yearling, Ancient Wisdom relished the soft conditions at Newmarket on Dewhurst Day to take the Group 2 Autumn Stakes by nearly four lengths. Diego Velazquez remains unbeaten after two outings in Ireland and took the step up in class in his stride when winning the mile Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown.

Amongst the remaining six contenders in the Futurity Trophy, Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini has considerably improved since being beaten over ten lengths by Ancient Wisdom and completed a double in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at the track. Breeding would suggest that the step up to a mile will bring out further progression from the son of Camelot.

Elsewhere across the UK, Newbury failed it's 2pm inspection yesterday afternoon.

Clerk of the course George Hill was able to make an early call after a further four millimetres of rain.

"The weather at this time of year means it's either overcast or even if the sun comes out for a bit, like yesterday, it's only up for about five hours," said Hill.

"Our back straight remained in the shade so it's very difficult. All the racecourses are suffering.

"We walked it this morning and it had improved a little but not enough and then we got another 4mm on top, so unfortunately it was an easy decision to bring the inspection forward.

"The only positive of it is the jumps track will be enjoying this weather.

"We're not looking at rescheduling the Group races, obviously our Flat season has come to an end, it's late in the season for us."

The British Horseracing Authority has announced both the Group 2 Horris Hill, and the Group 3 St Simon Stakes will be rescheduled to Newmarket's two-day meeting next week, with original entries for both races cancelled and entries for the replacement racing closing at noon on Tuesday, October 31.


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