Dry summer threatens UK horse racing season start

A dry summer is threatening the start of the UK horse racing season, with courses warning fixtures could be cancelled unless significant rain arrives soon. Wincanton Racecourse needs 200-250mm of rain over the next two months to avoid cancelling its 25 October opener. Trainer Paul Nicholls called it one of the driest summers he has known, preventing some horses from running. Salisbury Racecourse has watered daily, with clerk Jeremy Martin saying it is the most watering in his 26 years there, though he notes natural rain is superior. Wincanton cancelled three fixtures last season due to dry conditions, and its small reservoir only refills with rain. The course may consider starting future seasons later if dry summers become regular, while Nicholls says horses won't be ready until mid-October.