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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Sligo abandoned after horses slip up on bend

Fri 7th Aug 2020, 16:54

SligoSligo
© Photo Healy Racing

Sligo's meeting was abandoned after the fourth race on the card, in the interests of safety, as four horses slipped up on the bend after the winning post. Ideal Pal took a stumble on the bend passing the winning post the first time during the extended mile and a quarter handicap, and unseated Donagh O'Connor.

After the race, a further three horses slipped up and parted company with their jockeys at this part of the track leading to a deputation of jockeys and trainers discussing the incidents with the stewards.

The ground was inspected and the stewards decided to abandon the rest of the card.

See stewards' notes below:

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Ideal Pal trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stumbled on the bend.

The stewards enquired into the fact that a number of horses slipped up at the bend past the stand during the race and on pulling up. Evidence was heard from a number of riders, trainers, management and the Clerk of the Course. Having considered the evidence and all relevant factors the Stewards decided to abandon the rest of the meeting in the interest of safety.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.