Chepstow's Thursday card abandoned
August 18, 2010 10:12:35 UK
Thursday evening's Horse Racing meeting at Chepstow has been abandoned.
The six-race Flat card has been called off citing "evidence of turf damage", according to Weatherbys.
The decision to abandon the meeting was made in conjunction with the British Horseracing Authority Inspectorate.
Peter Hobbs, BHA inspector of racecourses, called off the meeting in the interests of safety after small areas of damage to grass roots were discovered at the Monmouthshire venue.
Tony Kelly, group managing director for Northern Racing, said: "At this stage, we cannot be certain of the exact cause of the root damage which is in a small number of areas. However, we will not take any risks.
"Due to the substantial investment in drainage work currently taking place at the racecourse, it has not been possible to utilise other areas of the racing surface.
"We apologise to those affected for the inconvenience.
"However, I'm confident that everyone will understand that safety is paramount."
The next scheduled fixture at Chepstow is on Monday, 30th August.
A decision will be taken before entries on Monday, 23rd August as to whether the meeting will be transferred to another Northern Racing racecourse.
Immediate investigative and repair work has already begun.
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