Exeter abandons meeting after third inspection

AFTER a third inspection, Sunday's seven-race card at Exeter was abandoned at 10am with clerk of the course Barry Johnson not happy that the frozen parts ofthe course would thaw in time for racing.

Despite overnight lows of -4C and temperatures being slow to rise, Johnson saw fit to push back the decision twice, finally taking the decision to abandon at 10.15am withmany jockeys, trainers, owners, horseboxes and racegoers on the road.

"The frost is still in the ground, especially the bare and worn areas from previous meetings. I'm just not happy the frost will be out the ground in time for racing," said head groundsman Martin O'Hagan.

Reaction from those affected was mixed. Trainer Kim Bailey tweeted: "I know racecourses are desperate, but Sunday expenses make it costly for owners when horseboxes nearly make to course after an early start."

Aidan Coleman, who had two rides, also tweeted: "Why am I not surprised Exeters off... Fair play though, they gave it every chance."

Racegoers that had boughttickets in advance will have the tickets refunded according to Exeter's general manager Alice Everitt.

"All tickets will be refunded and we very much hope that those who were planning to come will come to one of our spring meetings later in the year," she said.

With Hereford already abandoned, action in Britain comes from Southwell with a 'bumpers for jumpers' card on the all-weather. Leopardstown hosts a brilliant card in Ireland with four Grade 1s, including the Hennessy Gold Cup.