The Kenya Oaks Ladies Day races scheduled for this Sunday at Ngong Racecourse have been postponed.
Despite the resilience of racing to endure extremes of weather and happen, the Stewards of Racing have decided that the heavy rains that have overwhelmed Nairobi and Kenya have rendered the track “not suitable” for the fixture.
The race has now been pushed to May 19. The decision was made in the interests of safety for the horses, jockeys and patrons.
Trainer and former jockey Ollie Gray believes the Stewards had no choice and have made the only determination that they could.
“I think it’s the right decision. The track is too heavy and there’s still too much rain. It’s not safe for the horses. It’s definitely the right decision. It’s just a question of safety,” Gray said.
“We have plenty of time left in the season to make up for the races. It’s like Noah’s Ark at the moment, it’s unprecedented. We just have to adapt. And we can pick it up when all’s good.”
The Director of Racing for the Executive Committee, Mary Binks echoed the sentiments.
“This was the only sensible course of action to take. Safety and welfare are paramount to equestrian sports,” she said.
Last season’s Champion Jockey, Lesley Sercombe, was more philosophical about the decision.
“You have to look at the bigger picture. It’s not the end of the world, just a slight delay. Everyone’s in the same boat. It’s the best decision for horses and jockeys," she said.
"You take the good with the bad and it’s what makes you good at what you do. You have to be flexible. Sadly, it’s not great for patrons, but we have to put the horses first."
She added: "But it’s not a loss because it’s not being cancelled, just postponed. And once the course is safe, we’ll be back and it’ll be fantastic.”
