A horse is cooled down at the races

Salisbury switch to evening card on Thursday due to the heat

Horse Racing

Tue August 11, 2026 · 2d ago

The BHA have confirmed changes to Thursday’s race times, on the day the fifth heatwave to strike Britain this summer is due to reach its peak.

The biggest change is at Salisbury who also race on Wednesday. The track have had their request to move Thursday's card to an evening meeting with a first race at 17:30. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 34 degrees but should be on the decline by then.

The going is described as Good to Firm, and they have indicated plans to water the course after racing on Wednesday. There’s been just one 2mm shower of rain since June 11 - and that was in early July..

Salisbury also told the Racing Admin site: "There are areas of faster ground as a result of this prolonged period of drought, particularly on the higher or sloping parts - such as on the woods' side of the Straight course, and on the outside of the loop section - so in the main, away from the racing line," giving an indication of the battle the groundstaff have had to ensure acceptable conditions.

Windsor have revamped their running order for their evening meeting, moving the longer distance races to the end of the card, when the temperatures are coolest.

A BHA spokesman said: "There are no Met Office weather warnings in place this week, but the BHA has been working with racecourses staging fixtures to discuss any mitigations that may be necessary.

"Various factors are considered as part of this process, including local weather forecasts and environmental conditions."

Salisbury switch to evening card on Thursday due to the heat

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