Thirsk meeting reduced to two races on safety grounds

Thirsk’s meeting on Friday was reduced to just two races on safety grounds after a horse slipped in the opening contest of the afternoon.

The North Yorkshire circuit was due to stage a six-race card, kicking off with the AJA Novice Flat Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap.

However, 40-1 shot Calaxy slipped when entering long bend before the straight and unseated his rider Jack Loughnane, the younger brother of title-chasing Billy.

While Loughnane emerged unscathed, an inspection was held to determine whether racing could continue and the decision was made to call off races two, three, five and six, which were all due to be run on the round course.

The fourth race – the Ivegate Building Handicap run over a straight six furlongs – was given the go-ahead to take place as scheduled at 4pm.

Thirsk’s clerk of the course, James Sanderson, told Racing TV: “Unfortunately a horse did slip entering the home bend in our first race and following an inspection with some senior trainers, senior jockeys and the officials, it has been decided on the interests of safety we should not race around that bend today.

“Everyone felt it was just not quite right to continue, given there was very clear and obvious evidence of a horse having slipped, which is a great shame. However, safety has to come first.

“We are able to run the six-furlong race because that’s on the straight course.

“We have already given announcements about refund policy and further information will be available on our website and over social media, so people who have paid to come today will be able to obtain a refund.”

He added: “Obviously we’re very sorry, nobody likes it when this happens. But you have to be very careful when you’re worrying about conditions.

“Hopefully there is harm done. I’ve seen the rider that fell and I’m told that the horse is fine as well.”