Saturday's meeting at Aintree was abandoned after Storm Darragh damaged track infrastructure - while there are further concerns across the sporting schedule.
Sport
Updated 08:08, 07 Dec 2024
Comment
A general view of Aintree racecourse.
Storm Darragh forced Aintree racecourse to abandon their meeting on Saturday, December 12.
Aintree racecourse have issued a statement after the Boylesports Becher Day had to be abandoned after Storm Darragh battered the United Kingdom and the north west. Following an inspection early on Saturday morning, it was confirmed that the high winds had already caused damage to the track infrastructure.
Liverpool are due to make the short journey across Stanley Park to take on Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Both clubs were forced to issue a joint-statement as the country braced itself for the latest adverse weather conditions - impacting the sporting schedule and beyond.
The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warning for parts of England with some now escalating to a more serious red warning. Winds gusts in some areas are expected to reach up to 80mph.
READ MORE: 'I'll never forget' - Everton derby memories as Goodison prepares for last dance with LiverpoolREAD MORE: What Arne Slot asked reporters after Liverpool press conference as Everton feelings clear
Merseyrail confirmed - on Saturday morning - that there was travel disruption on their northern line. Debris on the track impacted services between Ormskirk and Hunts Cross. "Unfortunately, the Boylesports Becher Chase Day has been abandoned following our morning inspection," the statement began.
"We have continued to monitor conditions and the weather forecast throughout the night and into this morning, and we are already experiencing gusts of winds which are causing damage to track infrastructure. The outlook for the day is for further significant winds, making it unsafe for racing.
"The safety of our participants, visitors and teams is our number one priority. General admission ticket holders will be refunded and hospitality bookers will be contacted in the coming days by a member of the team.
"Thank you for your understanding." The wait for a decision on the Merseyside derby goes on.