Tralee optimistic of racing on Thursday
Tuesday’s and today’s meetings were both cancelled, after parts of the track were found to be waterlogged, and Thursday’s programme is subject to a 4pm inspection this afternoon.
Officials are optimistic regarding Thursday, however, with a reasonably favourable weather forecast and only a few parts of the track continuing to be of concern.
Tralee was set to close its gates for the final time when racing finished on Saturday, but may yet have a temporary stay of execution.
Tuesday’s postponed card could be run next Monday, while today’s card, which houses the main feature of the week, the Jimmy Barry Memorial Gold Cup, may be pencilled in for next Tuesday.
There are already two meetings scheduled for this coming Sunday, at Cork and Ballinrobe and, of course, Cork and Kerry meet in the All-Ireland senior football semi-final at Croke Park.
The Fixtures Committee of Horse Racing Ireland will make a decision this morning.
Meanwhile York’s Ebor meeting has become the most high-profile victim of the recent wet spell that has decimated the fixture list.
The Yorkshire venue was due to kick off their summer showpiece on Tuesday but heavy rain over the weekend forced an impromptu inspection.
Clerk of the course William Derby had no option to call off the card due to waterlogging and Wednesday’s second day, featuring the totesport Ebor, was also cancelled following a 4pm inspection yesterday.
Prospects for Thursday and Friday now hinge on a noon inspection today.
