DAY one of the huge Irish Grand National meeting has been abandoned – as frustrated punters blasted an ‘utterly shambolic' situation.
A post from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board early on Saturday morning confirmed racing had been cancelled.
There was standing water on the track 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 on Easter Monday.
More to follow.
