When Storm Chandra hit the UK and Ireland, it brought with it more than its fair share of chaos. Flooding and storm damage were a regular sight throughout Leinster in Ireland and Devon and Cornwall in England, and this was just the latest European storm to cause major disruptions across the British Isles.
The effects of the storm were widespread, touching all areas of life. In particular, the racing calendar was thrown into disarray, with major events forced to postpone. It has had a profound impact on the outlook for British and Irish racing in the immediate months, and it will certainly leave many people concerned as the season starts to get into full swing.
Dublin Racing Festival Feels the Full Force of Stormy Weather
Leopardstown in South Dublin was one area that was heavily impacted by the poor weather following Storm Chandra. The course that bears the same name was particularly badly affected by the rain, and the Dublin Racing Festival, which was scheduled to begin on January 31, was postponed a week after the storm. This was largely due to residual ground saturation that was compounded by continued rainfall throughout the week.
It would eventually move forward, kicking off late on February 1, but the damage was already done. The Festival may have gone ahead, but it did so without some major competitors, some of whom would have been looking to build up momentum before appearing at other courses in Britain and Ireland, including some of the biggest meets and festivals.
For example, Haiti Couleurs, already third-favourite in the ante-post betting for the Grand National, had to be pulled from the lineup. The weather made the ferry crossing from the UK a risk that wasn’t worth taking. As a result, the Rebecca-Curtis-trained 9-year-old missed out on what would have been invaluable race experience on the National Hunt trail.
Horse Racing Authorities Are Planning for a Sustainable Future
Although the damage may appear minor and inconsequential compared to what happened to people’s property and their livelihoods during Storm Chandra, it highlights an important issue that those in horse racing need to remedy: the impact of climate change on the racing calendar, including world-famous events such as the Grand National and Cheltenham.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has already acknowledged the need to develop a plan to safeguard the sport against the world’s changing climate, including more frequent and intense storms. It will not be possible for racing to operate safely if average rainfall and ground saturation continue to increase.
Right now, this strategy appears to focus more on reducing the industry’s footprint in terms of both carbon and water use. However, it is clear that more resilient racecourses will be needed if the weather continues to batter the racing calendar the way it has, causing postponements and cancellations across the continent.
Extremes in Weather Not Limited to Rain-Off Race Days
The BHA has clearly set out its position on the effects of climate change on the sport in the UK. However, the authority is not simply addressing issues related to storm damage and heavy rainfall. Increasingly warm summer periods have also been causing concern and changes in protocol.
The authority has had to refresh its policy on extreme heat, which includes guidance on calling off meetings and practical tips, such as encouraging organisers to schedule longer-distance events during cooler times of the day. It is all evidence of an evolving approach to horse racing as it seeks to remain safe and viable.
However, it highlights the difficulties that the sport is facing. While almost all sports must deal with challenges from unexpected weather, horse racing is especially vulnerable as conditions can significantly affect the safety of those involved. It will be interesting to see how organisers balance safety with viability and calendar congestion going forward.