National Rail Strike Could Affect Upcoming Race Meets

Officials at Arena Racing Company, which stages four fixtures June 25 including the high-profile Northumberland Plate card at Newcastle Racecourse, were on June 20 awaiting details on how a national rail strike might impact their meetings.

Industrial action is planned for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday this week in what would be Britain's biggest rail strike in 30 years.

Along with Newcastle, which would expect a bumper crowd for the traditional highlight of its flat season, Arc tracks Windsor, Lingfield, and Doncaster will also be in action on Saturday, while Chester and Newmarket also host upcoming meetings.

Mark Spincer, the managing director of Arc's racing division, said: "We'll review the situation again on Wednesday. We'll see what happens after Tuesday if that strike goes ahead.

"It's too early to make any knee-jerk reactions. However, we are trying to work through different options and avenues to communicate to those who have either purchased tickets or may well want to attend."

Those in attendance at Newcastle could be treated to the sight of top stayer Trueshan , who skipped the Gold Cup (G1)  at Royal Ascot due to the firm ground last week, carrying a huge weight in the £150,000 (US$183,622) Northumberland Plate.

"It'd be fantastic if (Trueshan) ran," Spincer added. "We'd love to see him and that's the advantage of the all-weather surface there. Connections know they'll get the ground they're looking for because nothing will change between now and then."

A decision on last year's Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (G1) and Qatar Prix du Cadran (G1) winner lining up will be made later in the week, trainer Alan King confirmed on Monday when he left the classy Singula Partnership-owned 6-year-old in the race.

Trueshan would carry the highweight of 10st 8lb if taking part, with the next horses in the handicap—Red Verdon , Rajinsky, and Global Heat —on 9st 3lb.

"Obviously, Trueshan would have a nigh-impossible task at the weights in the Plate, but we'll make up our minds later in the week," King said on his website.

"It surely must rain again some time, mustn't it? The Goodwood and Doncaster Cups would come up next but we are reliant on the weather, so it's a case of wait and see."

Trueshan, sixth in the Northumberland Plate off 2lb lower 12 months ago, is 10-1 with Betfair and Paddy Power, while Valley Forge and Rajinsky head the betting at a general 7-1 price.

They were among 61 in contention for the historic handicap, which has a maximum field of 20, although Newcastle also stages a £75,000 ($91,831) consolation race on Saturday for those failing to make the final cut.