Jockeys’ ground complaints
A deputation, consisting of Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Shay Barry and Martin Ferris, complained to the stewards.
They felt their was a lack of sufficient effort to produce safe fast ground, without any jar, and, in their opinion, most of the track was hard. They stated that the surface should not have been a problem, with a river close by.
Paddy Graffin, clerk of the course, agreed with the riders, that the ground was faster than the previous meeting, but felt the track had done the best they could.
He said his knowledge of the ground only became apparent about two and a half hours before racing.
The inquiry was reconvened, this time with course manager, Michael O’Neill, present. O’Neill said that watering of both tracks commenced last Sunday morning, until Tuesday. He further said that the hurdle track was watered all day until Thursday.
All watering ceased at about 4pm on Thursday. In response to the possiblity of watering early yesterday morning, until eight hours before the first race, O’Neill said that was not the norm at the course, as he had a fear of creating slippery conditions or over-watering.
There were a number of withdrawals through the night due to the ground. The matter was referred to the Turf Club for a full investigation.
