Eastern Festival nearly sunk before it had started by mystery wet patch

Yarmouth's flagship Eastern Festival was under fire for the second year running after the discovery of a wet patch of ground led to a pre-race inspection and the abandonment of the closing 5f handicap.

The track had been watered but racecourse owners Arc said the problem may have been caused by an irrigation system at the adjacent independently-owned golf course. Jockeys opted to race on after deciding they could avoid the damp area in the other six races.

An inspection will take place at 9am on Wednesday to determine if racing will go ahead. Officials are confident that will be passed but the 5f handicap has been cancelled as the start would be too near the affected area of ground.