A POPULAR horse racing event at Chepstow Racecourse has been postponed after rain and snow left the track waterlogged.

The Coral Welsh Grand National was due to take place yesterday but has been forced to be abandoned following 60mm of rain and snow over the last 48 hours.

The Chepstow Racecourse, Arena Racing Company (ARC) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed the horse race has been re-scheduled to take place early next year.

Executive director of Chepstow Racecourse, Phil Bell, said the event was expected to attract more than 10,000 people.

“It is waterlogged and it will hopefully drain away,” said Mr Bell. “There has not been any damage luckily.

“The main thing for us is that we were expecting more than 10,000 people.

“The event has been abandoned four times in recent years all weather-related. There is nothing we can do other than wait for it to drain away. It had to be re-scheduled due to health and safety.”

Mr Bell said that staff were now looking forward to welcoming people back early next year.

He said: “The Coral Welsh Grand National is one of the biggest jump races of the year, and a feature of Welsh sporting calendar. For all of our customers, and our sponsor Coral, it is sad to be in this situation but the amount of rain and snow simply exceeded all expectations.

“However, while we have been defeated by the weather in the short term, the team at Chepstow is now looking forward to welcoming everyone back on Saturday, January 6 for a great day of sporting action.

“We would like to thank all involved, including the BHA, Horserace Betting Levy Board, ITV and our sponsors Coral for facilitating the change in date.”

Keith Ottesen, who is clerk of the course at Chepstow Racecourse, added: “With 60mm of rain in the last 48 hours, including 40mm overnight, the track was simply un-raceable.

“While it is frustrating we are pleased to be able to work swiftly to rearrange the day.”

For more information on the recent announcement, you can call the office on 01291 622 260 or e-mail info@chepstow-racecouse.co.uk

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UPDATE: Executive Director of Chepstow Racecourse, Phil Bell, has released a statement

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A POPULAR horse racing event has been postponed following rain and snow.

The Coral Welsh Grand National was due to take place at Chepstow Racecourse today but has been abandoned due to 60mm of rain and snow over the previous 48 hours, organisers state.

The Chepstow Racecourse statement adds organisers are in discussion with the British Horseracing Authority and hope to reschedule the race for Saturday, January 6.

A statement from Newport Bus added: "Due to the postponement of today’s race meeting our race day service will not be operating."