Hereford could still potentially hold jumps meetings on an occasional basis next year with fixtures switched from other courses in the Arena Group.
The track's owners have applied to the British Horseracing Authority to renew its licence in 2013 despite the announcement in July that Hereford would cease trading at the end of the year.
Should the BHA approve the application then Hereford could stage abandoned meetings in the group that includes Worcester, Lingfield, Doncaster and Southwell, or put on an additional fixture any of their tracks might be unable to fulfil.
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: "Their application will be considered and they will be informed in the next few weeks. If it is approved then the course can be used. It won't be allocated any fixtures in 2013, obviously, but the course can be used should there be cancellations.
"Moving cancelled fixtures there is an option, but if there are loads of fixture cancellations we sometimes put on additional fixtures.
"If the racecourses in the ARC group where we might allocate those fixtures aren't able to carry them because of turf management issues, and so forth, then it gives us an extra venue to potentially put one of those fixtures on.
"It's common sense and is for the benefit of the industry itself. Having Hereford as a back-up makes perfect sense. One of the aspects of their lease of the land is they have to keep it in good condition."
Arena believe it makes sense to keep Hereford on standby as they are still leasing the land from Herefordshire Council - but stress their decision to close the track has not changed.
"It's just a low-grade insurance policy. Nothing's changed," said Kate Hills, Arena's PR and communications director.
Hereford have just three scheduled jumps meetings left - on Thursday week, December 5 and 16.
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests