Chaos at Chelmsford as power cut puts track into darkness mid-race
As the horses entered the home straight TV pictures were cut and the floodlights failed
CHELMSFORD'S Tuesday evening was abandoned after a power cut meant the lights went out during the third race.
TV pictures were lost mid-race and the jockeys were forced to race in near complete darkness as the floodlights failed.
As the horses rounded the home bend in the 5.15 Extra Places At totesport.com Handicap, the lights went out as the main generator failed.
A Stewards' Enquiry was called immediately after the race and punters were told to hold onto their betting slips.
It is thought that Florencio was first past the post, but the race was made void soon after.
The decision was made to abandon the remainder of the card due to safety concerns at the track.
There were still four races due to be run at the all-weather track but die to safety concerns management made the swift decision to abandon the remainder of the meeting.
In a statement, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said: "An enquiry was held into the circumstances surrounding the failure of power.
"The Clerk of the Course, Racecourse Executive and an Electrician were interviewed.
"Having heard their evidence, the decision was made in conjunction with management to abandon the remainder of the meeting.
"A report was forwarded for further consideration to the Head Office of the BHA."
More to follow...