Controversy over safety of ground turns opening race into match at Bangor

The meeting started in controversial fashion when a disagreement over the safety of the track led to the opening 2m3½f handicap hurdle turning into a match.

The all-hurdle card passed an 8am inspection with no frost reported to be in the ground, but some trainers and jockeys who walked the course on arrival expressed concerns about conditions.

Speaking before the opening race, trainer Kerry Lee said: "It's not safe. It's mostly frozen and where it's not frozen, it's a bog. You just couldn't run a nice horse on it."

Lee withdrew her only runner on the card from the fourth race and trainer Alastair Ralph took a similar view by taking out his two runners, including Iontach Cheval in the opener.

Issam and Magical King also came out just before the first race because of the ground, reducing the field to two from six declared runners.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: "There's a crust in places but it's perfectly safe and perfectly raceable. The majority of the course has been covered with fleece for the last few days. 

"People are entitled to their opinions but in our view it's safe to race. We wouldn't be doing anything here that isn't safe for horses and jockeys."

The jockeys riding in the opening race had no issues with the ground, which was officially described as soft, heavy in places. Peter Kavanagh, who won on the Donald McCain-trained Ballygeary, said: "It's riding fine. I walked the track and there were just a couple of places where it was a little bit patchy, but it's thawed out now."

McCain brought up a double in the following 2m½f handicap hurdle when daughter Abbie scored on 11-year-old stable stalwart Chti Balko.

"He's my favourite, I've ridden him since he was a four-year-old at home and have waited a long time for that," she said. "He's an absolute hero and he deserved that."

Total authority

Act Of Authority was withdrawn at Warwick last month after being kicked at the start, but his return to action went much smoother. 

Trained by Olly Murphy for owners Grahame and Diana Whateley, the highly regarded five-year-old was sent to the front in the 2m½f novice hurdle and cruised home by seven lengths under Sean Bowen.

"He didn't run badly at Cheltenham, where I still don't think he ran his race," said Murphy. "I hate riding horses like that, but his best performances have been when ridden positively. We'll have a go at a nice handicap and probably go up in trip."

Worthy cause

The course contributed to the fundraising efforts for injured jockey Graham Lee by donating £25 for every length the winners scored by over the six races.

General manager Patrick Chesters said: "The total was 50 lengths which equates to £1,250, so it's a nice contribution with racegoer donations on top."

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