PUNTERS voiced their anger after racing at Catterick was abandoned on Wednesday – after just two races.
While the country has been basking in a summer-long heatwave that has seen record temperatures, some 1.5mm of rain this morning made the track 'unsafe'.
Previous rainfall last week contributed to the good to firm going, with jockeys reporting their horses were slipping on the bend turning into the home straight.
The 1.00 and 1.30 races went off without a hitch but there was a length inspection before the 2.00.
Fiona Needham, clerk of the North Yorkshire course, said: "In the second race, which was the first race round the bend, some jockeys reported issues with slipping and there was one very visible slip.
"On further inspection, and in the interest of safety, a decision was made to abandon the card.
"It’s disappointing, but it's the most sensible decision and safety comes first."
That meant five races in total were abandoned – with punters demanding to know about refunds.
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While the decision was obviously a frustrating one, clearly the main objective is to ensure the safety of the horses and riders.
Still, that didn't stop one person from posting on Twitter: "As a pay on the day punter, when am I getting my refund?
"I don't want another ticket, I won't be coming back."
Another said: "Please respond to these messages, as this is getting farcical.
"I cannot believe that after two races there has been that much rain to make the bends more unsafe than in the first race.
"What does the clerk actually do when inspecting the course before the meeting?"
A fellow racing fan said simply: "Embarrassing."
Needham added: "Unfortunately, we were expecting a bit of rain and it didn’t come.
"But a shower arrived this morning and it made it very slippery.
"A number of jockeys and trainers were involved in the inspection, as it’s protocol, but it’s always a difficult decision when you have to make the call."
The decision to call off racing was particularly regretful as it came on the track's big Ladies Day.
Trainers, stable workers, owners and other punters could also feel short-changed after forking out on petrol and other travel costs to get to the track.
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