'Safety comes first' - Catterick called off after two races due to unsafe ground

Racing at Catterick on Wednesday was abandoned after two races because of unsafe ground.

An inspection was held following the nine-runner 1m6f handicap, run on ground described as good to firm, good in places, after Rossa Ryan (riding Embolden), Sean Kirrane (Eye Knee), Oliver Stammers (Witham River) and Jason Hart (Whitcliffe) all reported their mounts to have slipped on the bend turning into the home straight.

There was a lengthy delay before the 7f nursery, which had been due off at 2pm, as a delegation of officials, jockeys and trainers inspected the bend with a decision made to abandon the five remaining races on the card shortly before 2.30pm.

Catterick clerk of the course Fiona Needham, who made the final call following the inspection, said: "In the second race, which was the first round the bend, some jockeys reported issues with slipping and there was one very visible slip.

"On further inspection, and in the interest of safety, a decision was made to abandon the card. It's disappointing, but it's the most sensible decision and safety comes first."

Needham said that rainfall before racing had a detrimental effect on track conditions. As much as 12mm of rain had fallen at the North Yorkshire track between Tuesday and Sunday of last week with another 1.5mm arriving after 7am on Wednesday.

Needham said: "Unfortunately, we were expecting a bit of rain and it didn't come, but a shower arrived this morning and it made it very slippery.

"A number of jockeys and trainers were involved in the inspection, as it's protocol, but it's always a difficult decision when you have to make the call."

'It's disappointing for everyone'

Trainer Ruth Carr, who was involved in the inspection, saddled O'Reilly's Pass in the second race and believes the right call was made to abandon racing.

"Our horse didn't slip, but it was visible to see Jason Hart's mount [Whitcliffe] had, and several others as well, so the safety of horses and jockeys has to come first," she said.

"It's disappointing for everyone who has travelled and those who have entered their horses now instead of next week when they could have done.

"People have also turned out in their best finery because it's ladies' day, and it's upsetting for the racecourse because they did everything they could to do the right thing."

Racing suffered a spate of abandonments in May due to similar ground concerns, with meetings at Chester, Haydock, Beverley and Lingfield all forced to either end their cards prematurely or call off certain races, while Hamilton was forced to abandon one race in June.

A statement from Catterick said it would refund £300 per runner to the owners of horses who did not run, and that jockeys who came to ride and did not will receive one standard riding fee.

Full refunds will also be issued to all racegoers, while hospitality guests will receive a partial refund.

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