AIR Chairman Slams Turf Club Decision Jerry Desmond, chairman of the Association of Irish Racecourses, yesterday slammed the Turf Club over its plan to use its own officials for calling the going on the day of declaration at all racecourses, except for Grade 1 tracks. The decision comes following the commotion surrounding a meeting at Listowel earlier this month. Listowel's management gave the going as good to yielding when it proved to be good to firm the following day, resulting in a record number of non-runners and a complaint from the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association. Desmond said: 'The Association has taken great offence at the implication contained in the Turf Club statement that only the Grade 1 tracks are capable of issuing accurate going reports. 'There is absolutely no justification for implying that all the managers of the other 18 tracks are not competent to issue accurate going reports and we would expect an immediate retraction. 'The introduction of the new procedures without any detailed consultation was also somewhat disappointing. We have written to the stewards to express our dissatisfaction and to seek an urgent meeting to discuss the issues involved.'
