DAY two of the Easter Fairyhouse Festival WILL go ahead on Sunday, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has confirmed.
There were major doubts cast over whether it would go ahead after racing was postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged track.
However, following an early inspection on Sunday morning, the IHRB has confirmed that racing would go ahead – but with two changes.
A statement read: “Following an inspection this morning, @Fairyhouse is fit for racing.
“Amended distances: Race 2 will now be 2m 175yards; Race 5 will now be 2m”
IHRB Clerk of the Course Brendan Sheridan reported on conditions trackside at Fairyhouse.
And he said: “I am at Fairyhouse this morning. Track is fit for racing. We are good to go.
“Thankfully we only had 2mm of rain – just shy of 2mm of rain since yesterday morning. The track remains – both tracks – soft to heavy.
“The forecast is dry today and the possibility of showers tomorrow and Tuesday.
“Looking forward to a good day’s racing and we are all good to go.”
It comes after Horse Racing Ireland revealed that the postponed opening day of the Festival would instead be run on Tuesday.
Saturday’s slate was called off after a grounds inspection due to the Meath track being beset by heavy rainfall.
In an update, the HRI said: “Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced that the Fairyhouse meeting which was due to be held today, Saturday April 19, but was cancelled due to surface water lying in areas of the track, will now be held on Tuesday April 22.
“Original entries stand while The Rybo Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) reverts to after final forfeit stage and fresh declarations to run for all races must be made by 10am tomorrow, Sunday April 20.”
There was standing water on the turf after 21mm of rain overnight added to further deluges on Friday
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.”
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