Both chases at Punchestown have been abandoned due to conditions
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)Punchestown goes ahead with chases cancelled
PUNCHESTOWN has been given the green light despite heavy rain overnight putting the meeting in jeopardy.
The two chases on the card will not be run with the five-race card, made up of three hurdle races, one bumper and the La Touche Cup, due to get under way at 4.50pm.
Racing manager Richie Galway said: "We had 5mm overnight but the lads at the track have dealt with the water that accumulated.
"We have also prepared a new hurdles track on the wide outside, between the chase course and where the hurdles used to be and the ground there is in very good condition.
"The banks course is fine although we may have to bypass one or two fences, including Joe's Water Splash as it is waterlogged."
The Grade 1 Ryanair Novice Chase, originally scheduled for Thursday, will be run at Punchestown on Friday. However, the four chases originally scheduled for Friday have been abandoned.
Richie Galway: Friday chases off
PICTURE: Patrick McCannSpeaking on Thursday morning, Galway explained: "We have decided to run the Ryanair Novice Chase at 4.55 as the first race on Friday on what will be a five-race card.
"We made the decision for a couple of reasons. It is a Grade 1 race and we are satisfied that, as it is a 2m race which will be run on fresh ground, that it should go ahead.
"However, the original chases on the Friday card were over longer distances and we have decided to cancel them. Those races and other races cancelled this week will be rescheduled for some time in the next couple of weeks."
Thursday's running order
4.50 Stephens Green Hibernian Club Hurdle
5.30 Avon Ri Corporate & Leisure Resort Chase for the La Touche Cup
6.05 Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle (Grade 1)
6.40 Naas Court And Il Fico Restaurant Handicap Hurdle
7.15 Kildare Post INH Flat Race
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