THERE was a total shambles at Musselburgh as racing was abandoned just seven minutes before the first.
Five inspections were held in all plus a lengthy enquiry before the action at the Scottish track was finally called off.
Times Newspapers LtdMusselburgh’s Friday card was abandoned just seven minutes before the first race was due off[/caption]
The opener was already down to a match race after seven horses were withdrawn.
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That contest was due off at 12.27pm – but word of the abandonment only came through at 12.20pm.
Punters were absolutely furious at the farcical scenes, with one labelling it all an ‘absolute nightmare’ and another calling the dithering a ‘disgrace’.
While Racing TV presenter Graham Cunningham, who was at the track, said: “It’s awkward. It’s not funny at all.
“If I’m in the stewards’ room, we started out with nine runners, we’re down to two in the first, we’ve now got a match.
“What if we send those two horses out and one breaks down – how does that look? It’s already failed two inspections today.
“Welfare, welfare, welfare, it’s been a huge thing for years now and we are on the cusp of the first race – welfare is plainly an issue.
“We’re less than ten minutes from the first race and it’s borderline embarrassing now.
“There will be plenty of people annoyed about this.”
A statement from the racecourse read: “We regret to inform you that racing today, Friday 3rd January, has been abandoned due to the track being frozen in places.
“Despite the best efforts from our team, the weather has beaten us.”
But punters were livid it took so long to make the call – while sparing a thought for those who travelled to the track all for nothing.
One person wrote on X: “Musselburgh abandoned less than ten minutes before the first. Farce.”
Another said: “Right decision but Musselburgh taking the absolute p**s today! Feel for everyone that’s travelled down! Not a great look is it…”
While a third posted: “Embarrassing to make this decision minutes before the first race. They should reimburse all owners who have had to pay travelling fees.”
Musselburgh’s cancellation meant there was no jumps racing anywhere on Friday.
And freezing temperatures are forecast at Newcastle, Sandown and Wincanton ahead of Saturday’s racing.
Naas in Ireland will hold an inspection before their big Grade 1 card on Sunday, headlined by the Lawlors 2m4f novice hurdle featuring the likes of Willie Mullins’ 7-4 favourite Jasmin De Vaux.
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