Lingfield stewards launch inquiry after the course failed to notify them about a ‘festive parade’

 A ‘festive parade’ involving Father Christmas caught the attention of eagle-eyed stewards at Lingfield Park on Saturday.

Two elves accompanied Father Christmas in the small parade before racing at the all-weather venue.

PA

However, despite far bigger issues in racing currently, stewards found it necessary to hold an inquiry into why they had not been informed about the parade.

The official report from the stewards read: “The stewards held an inquiry regarding the requirements under BHAGI 3.1. into why the clerk of the course failed to notify the racecourse department at the head office of the British Horseracing Authority, that the racecourse intended to include a festive parade at this meeting.

“The stewards interviewed the clerk of the course who stated that, due to an oversight, he had failed to seek permission.

“They forwarded his comments to the head office of the British Horseracing Authority for consideration.”