Brighton Racecourse can today confirm that, following extensive remedial works carried out on the racing surface, racing will resume on Friday 29 May.
Work undertaken by the Brighton Racecourse Grounds Team, in conjunction with independent agronomy experts, has culminated in a successful inspection and trial gallop this morning, Wednesday 20 May.
The work on the racing surface at Brighton has addressed the damage caused earlier in the Spring by a combination of leatherjacket and nematode infestations. In conjunction with the Racecourse's independent agronomist, a programme of restorative work has been successfully implemented.
The BHA Racecourse Inspectorate have today approved the completion of the works and confirmed that the track has responded well to the treatments implemented. Following this, a trial gallop further ratified that the racing surface is back to prime condition.
Jockey Tom Queally, who took part in this morning's gallop, said, "The horses we rode were a mixture, some experienced and some inexperienced. They all gathered a good deal of traction, with plenty of grip. I have full confidence in riding any type of horse over any distance at Brighton."
The positive outcome of the inspection and gallop was not achievable before entries for the fixture scheduled for Tuesday 26 May, now taking place at Bath. As such, racing will resume at Brighton on Friday 29 May.
Executive Director of Brighton Racecourse, Paul Ellison, said, "We are delighted that the work undertaken by our Grounds Team at Brighton has been successful. We would, of course, like to thank them for all of their hard work as well as all of the owners, trainers, jockeys, annual members and customers who have been inconvenienced by the delay to the start of the season. Likewise, the local community to the Racecourse for their cooperation and support throughout this period.
We very much look forward to getting our season underway on Friday 29 May and welcoming everyone back onto the Racecourse."
