Warwick Racecourse Faces Weather Setback as Classic Chase Day Cancelled

10 January 2026 Sports Events

Classic Chase Day Falls Victim to Freezing Conditions

Warwick Racecourse faced a significant setback this weekend as Warwick’s Classic Chase card has been called off due to a frozen track. The cancellation came after Warwick’s groundstaff received assistance from the teams at Cheltenham and Stratford to fleece the track on Friday night, when low temperatures were forecast for the early hours of Saturday.

The much-anticipated fixture was scheduled to feature a seven-race card, including the feature Classic Handicap Chase and the Grade Two Hampton Novices’ Chase with five further competitive contests. The meeting at Warwick, where five races were set to be broadcast on ITV4, become the latest victim of the cold snap.

Historic Venue Continues Busy 2026 Season

Despite the weather disruption, Warwick Racecourse is home to 19 quality Jump racing fixtures from September to May. The venue remains a cornerstone of British horse racing, home of the Kingmaker Chase, Classic Chase & New Year’s Eve racing. The racecourse boasts roots dating back to the early 18th century, cementing its position as one of the nation’s most historic racing venues.

Charity Partnership Highlights 2026 Calendar

Looking beyond the weekend’s disappointment, Warwick Racecourse has launched an exciting charity initiative for 2026. Molly Ollys has been announced as the charity partner for the 2026 race season, with the first of ten fundraising races commencing on 10 January. The partnership will see highlight of the dates, which each attract between two to eight-thousand racegoers, the annual Molly Olly Race Day on 23 April.

Looking Ahead

The cancellation serves as a reminder of the challenges British racing faces during winter months, but Warwick Racecourse continues to play a vital role in the jump racing calendar. With numerous fixtures still scheduled throughout the season and strong community engagement through charitable partnerships, the venue remains an essential destination for racing enthusiasts across the Midlands and beyond.