Lingfield Derby Trial will take place on all-weather Saturday’s Derby Trial has been switched to the all-weather after waterlogging left the turf track unraceable. The Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes and the Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes is staged on the same day and both contests will be run over a mile and four furlongs due to the switch, rather than half a furlong short of the Classic distance. Course officials, in conjunction with the British Horseracing Authority, made the decision to transfer the cards. The worsening weather forecast increases the likelihood of further waterlogging and any possible improvement in conditions are unlikely. A statement from the BHA read: “The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that Saturday’s card at Lingfield Park will be staged on the all-weather. “A BHA inspection of the course on Wednesday morning found the turf track to be unraceable due to waterlogging. “It is considered unlikely that conditions will have improved sufficiently by Saturday to allow any races to take place on the turf safely. “Therefore, also taking into account the weather forecast suggesting further rain, the BHA has made the decision to switch the surface at this time to offer certainty for connections to confirm their running plans.” All existing entries at the meeting will be cancelled with the races re-opened until noon on Thursday for new entries, prior to 24-hour declarations at 10am on Friday.
