RACING: Hungry grubs cause changes to Salisbury's meeting
Chafer Grubs have damaged a section of the course making it dangerous to race on.
Last updated 29th Sep 2020
The larvae form of the Chafer Beetle have been causing a few problems at the city's track ahead of the last meeting of the flat season.
Loose turf, caused by the bugs feeding on the root system of the grass, has been discovered on a section of the track measuring around five metres in length and three metres in width.
It means two of the races won't be able to take place.
Executive Director and Clerk of the Course, Jeremy Martin said
"It is unfortunately right on the racing line and there is no way to avoid it. The BHA Course Inspector, Richard Linley, attended on Monday and it was agreed the 1m 2f and the 1m 6f races on Thursday are abandoned. The Straight Course has been checked thoroughly and is fine and ready for racing."
Chafer grubs are prevalent at this time of year.
In 2018 a similar infestation led to an entire meeting at Salisbury being cancelled.
Other courses to suffer in recent years include Epsom, Bath and Goodwood.
Meanwhile Salisbury's meeting on Thursday will be held behind closed doors.
It's the last of seven meetings to take place without the public.