The British Horseracing Authority’s Racecourse Department has completed its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of racing after the third race at Sandown Park’s evening meeting on 21st May 2008.

As part of its investigation, the Authority received a report from its own Inspector of Courses Peter Hobbs, reviewed a transcript of the Stewards’ Enquiry on the day and considered a report from Sandown Park which included meticulous maintenance information and weather data.

The following factors have led the Authority to conclude that the abandonment was due to circumstances beyond the control of Sandown Park’s management and therefore no disciplinary action is necessary:
• Maintenance was in line with good turf management practices and historical procedures at Sandown Park;
• The Course had been cut twice during the week to a height of four inches, grass was upright;
• The Course had not been fertilised since early April;
• Watering on the home bend ended by midday on Tuesday;
• The Course’s professional turf consultant walked the course with the Clerk of the Course on the morning of racing;
• No complaints before racing;
• The Bend was same layout as per late April meeting;
• “lack of spiking” has been mentioned – the entire course was spiked on 8th and 15th May. The Clerk of the Course pointed out that the course is not and has not been routinely spiked just before racing in his 20 years there.

30th May 2008