HRI Apologises over Down Royal Stalls

Published at May 31, 2014, 14:20

Top riders Joseph O'Brien and Pat Smullen had their mounts withdrawn
© Healy Racing Photos

Horse Racing Ireland has issued a statement to apologise for the malfunction of the starting stalls in the sixth race at Down Royal last night.

The incident occurred at the start of the Barclay Mobile Device Management Handicap when the 3 inside stalls opened before the remainder and the knock-on affect was that 4 horses were subsequently withdrawn.

The race was eventually started by flag 11 minutes late following several more aborted efforts.

The stalls were tested earlier in the week and again before racing, and had worked correctly then and for the two earlier flat races last night.

HRI will refund the Entry and Riding Fees of the withdrawn horses and have vowed to use alternative stalls for the high-profile Ulster Derby meeting at the course on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st of June.

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