Sandown Consolation For Chandler Loss The Horserace Betting Levy Board have agreed to enhance the value of the two-mile Fraser Steele Handicap Chase at Sandown on February 3 as consolation for the loss of the Victor Chandler Chase.Hopes the Ascot feature could be rescheduled following the abandonment of today's card at the Berkshire track failed to bear fruit.The sponsors had been keen to switch the two-mile-one-furlong event to Cheltenham's card next Saturday after waterlogging left the original venue unraceable and were in talks with the British Horseracing Board.But VC Bet spokesman Neal Wilkins said: 'Victor Chandler reluctantly announce that they have been unable to achieve the required criteria for the relocation of the Victor Chandler Chase, which was abandoned at Ascot due to waterlogging.'The Sandown race will continue to be run with a full weight range of 11st 12lb to 10st as previously advertised, but will be increased in value to a total prize fund of #50,000 and as such, will be classified as a Grade Three event, allowing its participation in the Racing UK Order of Merit.The race will close at noon on Monday, January 29.(C) PA Sport
