Dundalk Halloween meeting moved to afternoon amid firework fears

The Big Bang Theory has been a popular sitcom for years, but big bangs are no laughing matter for horses and for that reason Dundalk's fixture on Halloween has been brought forward.

The card next Wednesday has been changed from an evening fixture to an afternoon meeting in the interests of safety, a decision made by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board in order to avoid possible problems associated with celebrations in the locality.

Paul Murtagh, head of raceday operations with the IHRB, said: "The decision was taken in the best interests of horse welfare and the health and safety of all participants.

"Holding the meeting in the afternoon rather than in the evening will avoid the risk of fireworks and Chinese lanterns from the housing estate close to the racecourse possibly distracting the horses and will reduce the risk of injury being caused to horses, riders or grooms."

Amended race times will appear in this week’s Irish Racing Calendar.

Kempton also races on Halloween but, while has become a staple Wednesday evening venue, next week's card is due to take place between 4.40pm and 7.45pm.

Clerk of the course Barney Clifford explained: "It's a twilight fixture and the clocks go back on Saturday night."

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