Course's rabbit proof fence bugs bunnies
Following an inspection of the course the Inspector of Courses found the steeplechase track unfit for racing due the damage done below the surface, and consequently the Beechlawn Motors Handicap Steeplechase and the Down Royal Beginners Steeplechase have been cancelled.
Sean Barry, the registrar of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee admitted that this is not the first occurrence of the problem at the North of Ireland track.
"It occurred a couple of years ago and Down Royal officials dealt with it by placing a barrier mesh underground to prevent the rabbits from encroaching onto the chase track," Mr Barry said.
"It worked for a while, but now the rabbits have obviously found a way past this mesh."
The damage is to be assessed over the coming days by experts and engineers and Mr Barry stressed that it was too early to know the extent of the damage.
"We don't yet know the full extent of the damage underground but two areas of tunnelling have been discovered already.
"We must see if these can be treated and how they can be best dealt with. But it is too early to say what the damage is.
"It is also too early to say when that section of the track will be ready for racing again," he added.
Two of the remaining races will be divided to form a six race programme.
Following news that Down Royal have been forced to cancel their chase races, bookmakers Paddy Power are offering 100/1 that they change the name of the course to "Watershipdown Royal".
