New NSA Steeplechase fences for 2021

[Flatterer]

Steeplechase update – no spectators for the remaining point to point and NSA meets in 2020.

After 50 years, the NSA is replacing their hurdle fence with a new fence called Easyfix. Here is a link explaining the new fence.

https://tgsteeplechasefoundation.org...nce-schooling/

The new fence will be used in 2021.

From the explanation, there are 2 differences with the new fence. Although the height is the same the fence width is 8 inches longer and there is a soft flex spot if a horse hoof hits the apron in front of the fence.

The extra 8 inch width should prevent big step or short hops over the hurdle which can lead to falls. But it will force runners to jump a greater distance that can also lead to falls if a horse is tired or not balanced approaching the fence. Only time will tell if it will be a safer jump.

Good luck at the races!

[Flatterer]

The new "EasyFix" fence didn't last very long.

On May 13, 2021, the NSA released the following statement:

"Please be advised that the National Fence hurdles will be used at all NSA sanctioned race meets for the remainder of the Spring Season while the EasyFix fence continues to be evaluated by the Safety Committee, with input from trainers."

So Saratoga will have the traditional National Fence.

Here is the 2021 Summer jump schedule.

July 7, 2021 - 2 training flat races at the new Fair Hill turf course.

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, July 19
$30,000 Maiden Hurdle 2
$30,000 Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle 2

SARATOGA - Wednesday, July 21
$75,000 Jonathan Kiser (Novice Stakes) 2-1/16

SARATOGA - Thursday, July 22
$150,000 A.P. Smithwick (Gr. I Hurdle Stakes) 2-1/16

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, July 26
$30,000 Maiden Hurdle 2
$20,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle (110 or lower) 2-1/4

SARATOGA - Wednesday, July 28
$65,000 Allowance Hurdle (NW 2) 2-1/16

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, August 2$30,000 Maiden Hurdle 2
$30,000 Maiden Hurdle (4 YO) 2

SARATOGA - Wednesday, August 4
$70,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle (130 or lower) 2-1/16

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, August 9
$25,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle (115 or lower) 2-1/4
$75,000 Randolph D. Rouse (Filly & Mare Stakes) 2

SARATOGA - Wednesday, August 11
$65,000 Allowance Hurdle (NW 2) 2-1/16

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, August 16
$30,000 Maiden Hurdle 2
$20,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle (110 or lower) 2-1/4

SARATOGA - Wednesday, August 18
$75,000 Michael G. Walsh (Novice Stakes) 2-3/8

SARATOGA - Thursday, August 19
$150,000 Jonathan Sheppard (Gr. I Hurdle Stakes) 2-3/8

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, August 23
$30,000 Maiden Hurdle (4 YO) 2
$25,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle (115 or lower) 2-1/4

SARATOGA - Wednesday, August 25
$65,000 Allowance Hurdle (NW 2) 2-3/8

COLONIAL DOWNS - Monday, August 30
$30,000 Maiden Hurdle 2
$30,000 Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle 2

SARATOGA - Wednesday, September 1
$70,000 Ratings Handicap Hurdle (130 or lower) 2-3/8

BELMONT - Thursday, September 16
$75,000 William Entenmann (Novice Stakes) 2-1/4
$150,000 Lonesome Glory (Gr. 1 Hurdle Stakes) 2-1/2

I'll post Saratoga selections throughout the meet.

Good luck at the races!