SATURDAY’S ITV Racing action at Haydock was thrown into chaos after a significant delay when a hole was discovered in the middle of the track.
The meeting, which features two key trials in the Temple and Sandy Lane Stakes, was badly disrupted following concerns over the safety of the surface.
Jockeys, trainers, members of the BHA and ground staff inspect where a big hole has developed in the racing surface at Haydock Park Racecourse Credit: PA
Ground staff making preparations on the inside course ahead on an inspection after a big hole developed in the race Credit: PA
The day began with the Listed Hedge Of Oak Stakes, shown live on Racing, with Friendly Soul, trained by John and Thady Gosden, a strong favourite despite being off the track since October 2024.
Racing took place on the outer flat course at Haydock Park after two days of action on the inner track.
Friendly Soul was travelling well and disputing the lead under jockey when she appeared to take a false step approaching the two-furlong pole. She was immediately eased and quickly pulled up.
The mare dropped away sharply but was able to return to the stables without requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Following the incident, officials walked the course to inspect the area where the mishap occurred, joined by trainer and jockey Duran Fentiman, who used a stick to test the surface.
It quickly became clear there was a serious issue, with the stick sinking far deeper in one section of the ground compared to the surrounding surface.
Footage later showed a groundsman able to push his arm into the hole up to his elbow, raising further alarm about the condition of the track. A similar incident was previously reported at Cheltenham in January.
British Horseracing Authority stewards confirmed: “Delay to Race 2 at Haydock due to inspection.”
The development brought a stop to the proceedings and will now affect TV programming Credit: PA
Stewards, jockeys and the clerk of the course gathered for a formal inspection before the decision was taken that the track was no longer safe to race on.
Clerk of the course Dan Cooper told ITV Racing: “In the first race Friendly Soul took a misstep, so straight away we asked our team to look at the surface. We would do that at any time.
“I suggested to the BHA stewards that this was formal inspection grounds, so we conducted that. We’ve looked at the track and decided there is a significant drainage issue that caused the misstep.
“Therefore, in my view, it would not be safe to race on today. The BHA will now conduct a formal inquiry and decide what to do for the rest of the day.”
While the inquiry took place, staff began preparing Haydock’s inner course as a possible alternative for the remainder of the card.
Cooper later confirmed an inspection of the inner track would also be carried out, with the intention of potentially staging straight-course races such as the Temple and Sandy Lane Stakes.
However, races run around bends were unable to be transferred, with Races 2, 5 and 7 ultimately abandoned.
He added: “We are going to look at the inner course and carry out an inspection.
“Given it has had around 150 horses on it over the last two days, there is a possibility we can run the straight races on it. But we don’t think we have the resources to properly prepare the bends for the required distances. It would take around 20 staff about three hours of work, and we don’t have that capacity.”
The BHA stewards confirmed that Races 2, 5 and 7 were abandoned, with Races 3, 4 and 6 rescheduled to the inner track at revised times.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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