Persistent drought conditions continue to disrupt the National Hunt racing schedule, with Wincanton and Exeter racecourses among the latest venues rendered unraceable. Consequently, the West Country Weekend originally set for November 6-7 has been relocated to Aintree Racecourse. Aintree, best known for hosting the Grand National, will now also stage the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup and several key races from the Badger Beers Chase meeting.

Trainers have expressed frustration as the ongoing dry weather complicates preparations and forces repeated adjustments to racing plans. Harry Fry, who has recorded more winners at Exeter than any other course, expressed disappointment at losing the flagship fixtures from local tracks. He indicated the hope that softer ground conditions would return in the near future, allowing trainers to plan with greater certainty. Fry also noted that Gidleigh Park, a prominent horse in his stable, might be moved to Aintree to compete in the Haldon Gold Cup.

Similarly, Johnson White, co-licensee alongside Exeter’s leading trainer Philip Hobbs, reflected on the challenges posed by the unrelenting weather. White had considered sending their 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up, Sober Glory, to Aintree to make his chasing debut. However, the extended dry spell has made it increasingly difficult to prepare horses adequately for competition, adding to the complexity of managing a training schedule under these conditions.

With the drought showing no immediate signs of abating, racecourses and trainers alike face mounting difficulties in maintaining the National Hunt calendar. The shifting of significant fixtures to alternative venues reflects broader concerns about the long-term impact of weather patterns on the sport.