Market Rasen Racecourse are today, Monday 1st April, announcing a new look to the racecourse, to include moving the final hurdle.
In the interest of adding drama and excitement to the final stages of a race, and following multiple industry trials, the final hurdle will now sit on the finishing line.
Market Rasen Racecourse Clerk of the Course, Alice Cosgrove, commented, “Following feedback from various industry stakeholders that we should move the last hurdle closer to the winning line, we asked ourselves why not move it to the winning line? We couldn’t think of a reason why not!
“The trials which have taken place have all gone really well, with positive feedback from all participants involved. We also consulted with our BHA Course Inspector, and following their approval, we have made the decision to move the last hurdle to the winning line on a permanent basis. We hope this will add an additional element of thrill and excitement to racing at Market Rasen!”
Leading trainer Olly Murphy was part of the trials, and added, “A hurdle on the winning line is a really great, unique idea by Market Rasen and The Jockey Club. This will definitely add an extra bit of excitement, that having a great jump down at the last can be the win or lose of a race.”
Of the trials, he said, “We brought six professional jockeys and horses down to school over the new position, who thought this was a fantastic initiative.”
Sean Bowen was one of the jockeys taking part, and he added, “It was exciting to be part of the trial at Market Rasen, and what a great initiative to bring the hurdle to the winning line. It jumped really well, and I can’t wait to ride over it in the first race to feature it on Wednesday 10th April.”
The next fixture at Market Rasen, which will feature the new position of the final hurdle, takes place on Wednesday 10th April, ahead of the highlight of the summer, Summer Plate Ladies Day on Saturday 20th July, where one of the feature races is the Summer Hurdle. Tickets are available from just £15 at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/marketrasen
