• Plumpton's two scheduled Steeple Chases for 20 September have been abandoned.
• The races are replaced by a Class 4 Maiden Hurdle and a Class 5 National Hunt Flat race.
• The decision aims to consolidate watering efforts to ensure consistent ground conditions on the Hurdle course.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced a significant change to the upcoming fixture at Plumpton on Sunday 20 September. Following discussions with the BHA Course Inspectorate, the two Steeple Chases originally slated for the card have been abandoned. To maintain the integrity of the programme, these have been replaced by a Class 4 Maiden Hurdle over 1m 7f 195y and a Class 5 National Hunt Flat (NHF) race over 2m 1f 169y.

The decision was necessitated by the exceptionally hot and dry summer weather, which has strained available water resources at the track. By shifting to an all-Hurdle card, the racecourse can focus its limited irrigation supplies solely on the Hurdle course, aiming to provide ground as close to Good as possible. Marcus Waters, Clerk of the Course at Plumpton, emphasised that the welfare of horses remains the primary motivation for this adjustment, prioritising consistent and safe conditions for all participants.

Waters acknowledged that while programme changes are not ideal, this approach represents the most responsible strategy given the prevailing environmental conditions. The course management expressed their gratitude to the BHA for their flexibility and cooperation in finalising these fixture amendments. Further information regarding these changes can be found in the official British Horseracing Authority (BHA) press release: BHA press release.