Racing ABANDONED at Fakenham seconds before race ‘because the ambulance keeps getting stuck’
RACING has been abandoned at Fakenham just seconds before the first race – ‘because the ambulance keeps getting stuck’.
Horses, trainers, owners and jockeys were all in the parade ring ahead of the first, which was due off at 12.30.
The packed stands were all for nothing with racing abandoned seconds before it was due to start at Fakenham
But Racing TV presenters at the Norfolk venue got word there was concern over accessibility issues.
An ambulance follows the runners and riders in every race and the contest cannot take place if an ambulance is not present.
Dan Barber said on TV – where cameras showed the packed stand – the delay came because ‘the ambulance keeps getting stuck’.
An official BHA statement read: “A Stewards enquiry is being held @FakenhamRC following concerns raised by the Medical Team regarding their ability to access certain parts of the course in order to service any incidents.”
But barely seconds later it was confirmed the entire seven-race card had been scrapped.
Clerk of the course David Hunter explained: “We had been forecast rain from 11am and we had rain last night.
“My medical officer has done some trials and they are concerned the ground is so slippery they couldn’t get the ambulance to a stricken jockey in the required time of one minute.
“The senior medical officer at the BHA held an enquiry and it’s just really hard luck. We have to accept what they say
“I’ve been doing this job for 26 years, we’ve had wet days… but it’s been a torrid season.
“We walked the course two or three times this morning and felt there was no problem at all.
“What we have got is that, although the rain has reduced now, there will be more throughout the afternoon.
“The medical cover would only get worse, not better.
“It is beyond regrettable and it’s absolutely sickening. I’m really, really sorry for everyone who has arrived and we will be giving a full refund.
“I’m just really sorry – but I have to respect my medical team and their concerns.”
Fakenham had to abandon a card after just one race last November.
A downpour hit the track in the minutes before the first and led to a chaotic running of the opening two-mile maiden hurdle.
One horse slipped and brought down another, forcing chiefs to act.
Racing punters could not believe disaster had struck again so soon – and voiced their anger on social media.
One person wrote: “That’s shocking for everyone who’s travelled there today!”
While another said: “What a bloody shambles. Surely in 2024 racecourses should pick up these issues well before any meeting commences.”
And another fumed: “Embarrassing stuff, feel for all the people that travelled, decision could have been made hours ago.”
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