Trainers back continuation of racing during heatwave
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 23 Jun 2026
Leading trainers and jockeys have lent their support to the continuation of the racing programme during the heatwave, so long as sensible precautions continue to be taken by racecourses and the wider industry.
Four race meetings scheduled for Wednesday were called off after the Met Office warned temperatures were set to reach as high as 39C in southern parts of England.
British Horseracing Authority hot weather regulations state racing or the transport of horses cannot take place within red weather warning zones, while amber warnings require extra measures to be taken at racecourses to mitigate against heat stress.
But while leading handlers said excessive heat presents problems, they were united in their belief that the application of common sense should get the industry through this week without too many problems.
Royal Ascot-winning trainer Marco Botti had a filly race in 40-degree heat in the Italian Oaks at San Siro last Sunday.
Marco Botti believes all precautions are being taken in the heatwave (Mike Egerton/PA)
“At the end of the day, the horses deal with the heat, although for sure it’s not pleasant when it’s too hot,” said Botti.
“But in Italy I presume it’s quite normal. They have another couple of meetings in Milan and there is no way it is going to be any less than 40 degrees. They do everything they can to protect the horses.
“There’s no doubt that the heat does affect a lot of horses and I presume a lot of horses might suffer, they get quite nervous and sweaty, and not perform like they would in different circumstances.
“You talk to vets and when it’s hot, especially fillies, they get quite stressed and sweaty and they could definitely underperform. They are doing everything to protect them and they are making a big effort and we all have to appreciate it.
“They (BHA) are doing everything they can to protect the horses in the heat.”
Billy Loughnane, who rode his 100th winner of the year on Isle Of Lismore at Ffos Las on Tuesday, told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s very hot weather and probably even a little bit too hot for racing.
“Horses are pulling up pretty tired after they’ve only run five and six furlongs, not like five and six-furlong horses usually would.
“But the jockeys are fine, touch wood the horses are getting cooled off really quick, which is great to see. They are doing everything they can, it’s very hot and there are lots of measures applied to make it good for everyone.”
David Menuisier’s Pulborough stable is feeling the full force of a heatwave sweeping up from continental Europe, but the French-born trainer insisted he was not concerned and was taking normal measures to keep the horses comfortable.
He said: “For us, even if the temperature hits 38C it is not a concern, no. It is like any situation, you need to prepare yourself and see what happens. As long as you do the right things, slow down the exercise, get them out early, keep them cool, that is pretty much all you can do.
“Of course we monitor them to see whether they cope with the conditions, but everything is fine.”
Trainer David Menuisier (Mike Egerton/PA)
Phillip Makin, who trains at Easingwold near Thirsk, admitted temperatures further north were not as high but he, too, said his team were taking normal precautions to mitigate the heat.
“We do start a bit sooner in the morning. Luckily where we are it is not as bad as anywhere else – there is always a nice breeze and it is not too bad in fairness,” he said.
“Obviously to travel we set off a little bit earlier. We are not in a red zone so maybe further down the country where it is a good few degrees warmer then they may be struggling a little bit more.
“But as long as we get plenty of water in to them and electrolytes, it’s just normal. It is nice and warm but it is not oppressive here.”
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