In what could well be an unprecedented surge in temperatures for June in the UK (especially England), this has led to a number of horse racing meetings up and down the country being called off for this week.

It is predicted that this heatwave could mean figures soar to 38 or 39 degrees by the end of the week which has led to the decision by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), according to its hot weather policy, to abandon fixtures at those courses that fall within a red zone warning.

BREAKING: The BHA have made the decision to abandon four fixtures on Wednesday as a result of an extreme heat warning. pic.twitter.com/5B6TZEtmAz

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 22, 2026

Wednesday has seen five scheduled meetings across the UK abandoned, that include Worcester’s National Hunt fixture plus flat meetings at Salisbury and Kempton, in addition to Ffos Las, which is just outside the red zone, though it would include participants to travel through regions that are classed as ‘high-risk’ to reach the course.

In accordance with the BHA’s policy, horses are not allowed to travel through areas where there are red zone warnings in place.

A Sensible Decision

Generally, this decision has been met positively by those in the industry, particularly trainers, with Alex Hales, who was due to have two runners at Worcester explaining: “We just have to be sensible. We try to work the horses earlier and get the main bits of work done before the sun really comes up and, with travelling, the lorries have fans in them now to keep the temperatures down.

“But if the temperatures are getting as high as predicted, keeping the horses hydrated with plenty of electrolytes as well is very important.

“We are constantly monitoring the horses and if they are showing signs of getting too hot we would pull them out and get them under the hose pipe and cool them off that way.

“But I think the BHA have been very sensible and the whole industry is sensible with it.”

In the past, horses have collapsed from exhaustion in temperatures much lower than this; especially older ones, so any racing in these kinds of conditions would really put the animals at considerable risk while, even jockeys who race in full silks would run the risk of dehydration.

How Long Could This Last?

Should this heatwave last for a number of weeks, it could seriously affect the summer racing calendar and a solution would need to be created – that’s if indeed, one can be found. At present, racecourses in the north, which are experiencing cooler temperatures (but still very warm), remain open, so moving fixtures further north or even to Scotland is a possibility.

Then there is also how the bookmakers would be affected if abandonments continue with the sport being a major and even reliable source of everyday sportsbook revenue for the major brands.

What is quite concerning is that we’re not even in July yet and then there is August set to come so the height of ‘summer’ is still some way off. For now though, it is just one step at a time and making sure that the welfare of all those involved is put first.