a newly developed hurdle design will be used for the first time at Newton Abbot Racecourse when the National Hunt season opens at EasterThe new one-fit padded hurdle is being trialled by Newton Abbot in all hurdle races during its summer jumping programme.The modified design has been researched and developed by the British Horseracing Authority and aims to further improve safety and reduce injuries to both horse and rider.A standard timber hurdle frame is in the new design, but it has a specially fitted foam pad front replacing the traditional birch.