DAY one of the huge Irish Grand National meeting has been abandoned – as frustrated punters blasted an ‘utterly shambolic’ situation.
And grave doubts remain Sunday’s Grade 1 card can go ahead too with an inspection called for 7.30am tomorrow morning.
A post from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board early on Saturday morning confirmed racing at the County Meath track had been cancelled.
There was standing water on the turf after 21mm of rain overnight added to further deluges yesterday.
The situation was exacerbated by the track having been watered during the week as well.
A statement read: “Following a further 21mm of rain overnight, the track at @Fairyhouse is now unfit for racing due to surface water lying in areas of the track.
“The fixture scheduled for today has been cancelled.
“Rain to ease at lunchtime today & mainly dry thereafter.
“There will be a further inspection tomorrow morning at 7.30am. Where raceable, the ground is soft to heavy.”
An inspection has already been called for tomorrow’s racing, with the big race itself being run at 5pm on Easter Monday.
Saturday’s seven-race card was due off at 2.10pm with the final race being run at 5.40pm.
The big contest was set to see Nicky Henderson’s brilliant mare Joyeuse take on the likes of Willie Mullins’ Zillow and recent Cheltenham Festival winner Jazzy Matty.
But that handicap hurdle, along with all the other action, has been canned.
Punters voiced their anger they had been robbed of a great day’s racing – as doubts build Sunday’s action, which is set to feature the likes of Mares’ Novice Hurdle winner Air Of Entitlement in a rematch with Sixandahalf, can go ahead.
Speaking after Saturday’s action was cancelled, one punter wrote: “Utterly shambolic. Why was there watering knowing there was rain on the way?”
Another comment on X read: “Totally and utterly embarrassing decision to water the track.”
While a third person wrote: “Fairyhouse OFF. Another watering fiasco.”
The declarations for Monday’s Irish National – where Willie Mullins will seek a clean sweep of the iconic races having won at Aintree and Ayr – will be made at 10am today.
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