Huge row over state of ‘frozen’ ground at Bangor as trainers withdraw runners but track say it’s safe
THERE were a spate of non-runners at Bangor as a row erupted between trainers and racecourse chiefs.
Temperatures in north Wales dipped below freezing overnight but the track passed an 8am inspection.
But shortly before racing, a delegation of trainers and officials inspected conditions and several weren't happy with the ground.
Among them was Kerry Lee, who withdrew her runner Tedtwo in the Novice Hurdle at 2.21.
He was one of 11 non-runners on the card, including the opening race which saw the opening contest reduced from six to two runners.
But the clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch insisted the ground was safe to race on.
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He said: "There's a crust in places but it's perfectly safe and perfectly raceable.
"The majority of the course has been covered with fleece for the last few days.
"People are entitled to their opinions but in our view it's safe to race. We wouldn't be doing anything here that isn't safe for horses and jockeys."
Lee, who trains over the border in Herefordshire, disagreed.
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Speaking before the opening race, she said: "It's not safe. It's mostly frozen and where it's not frozen it's a bog. You just couldn't run a nice horse on it.
"Unless things improve dramatically, I'll be taking out my runner."
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