A seven-race fixture at Brighton Racecourse has been cancelled after wildlife damaged the turf, leaving the track unsafe for racing. The meeting, which was set to start the 2026 season on Saturday 18 April, was abandoned following damage caused by badgers and birds feeding on leatherjackets – the larvae of crane flies.
Despite ground staff tackling the leatherjacket infestation early and efforts to protect the course by shifting running rails and limiting field sizes, the damage worsened overnight. Badgers and birds dug up patches of the track that could not be avoided during racing, forcing officials to cancel the event.
The decision to cancel the meeting was made on safety grounds and was supported by a British Horseracing Authority course inspector. Brighton Racecourse officials expressed their “bitter disappointment” after their attempts to save the fixture failed and apologised for the disruption caused to racegoers.
Repairs to the track are already underway to ensure the course is ready for the next scheduled meetings on Tuesday, 28 April and Wednesday, 29 April. Ticket holders, including those with hospitality and restaurant packages, will be contacted with options for refunds or transfers to other race days.
Originally published by UKNIP.
