Chepstow fall blamed on insects

Crane fly larvae are believed to have weakened the Chepstow turf

Chepstow's decision to switch its meetings to Bath race course is being blamed on an insect infestation.

A serious fall that injured jockey Pat Dobbs was caused by a weakening of the turf around the five-furlong mark.

This is believed to be due to grass roots being eaten by an infestation of the larval stage of the crane fly, more often known as "daddy-long-legs".

All races at the Welsh course have been cancelled until 19 September after the incident last Thursday.

Dobbs suffered back injuries and his horse, Roll The Dice, fractured his leg and had to be destroyed.

It appears that the 2.5cm long insects are to blame when they began laying eggs in lawn grass and turf in August.

When the bugs emerge, they start feeding on grass roots, slowing the plant's growth and weakening its grip in the soil.

Tim Long, the clerk of Chepstow race course, said initial conclusions in a report from his agronomist on Tuesday suggested the problem was down to infestation.

We won't race until we know we have solved the problem Clerk of Chepstow race course Tim Long

"The leatherjackets explanation certainly looks the most plausible cause with the information we are armed with," said Long.

"I think, from what we have gathered, everybody has them but not necessarily an infestation which can cause problems.

"Our next scheduled meeting is on 19 September so we have set ourselves a rough target and straight away we are scouring the affected areas.

"But the key point is that we won't race until we know we have solved the problem and the course is entirely safe."

A turf management action plan has been agreed - including verti draining, scarifying and increased irrigation - to remedy the problem.

New turf will also be laid where necessary, and the running rail on the bend into the home straight realigned.

It is currently planned for horses from local training yards to gallop on the racecourse on Monday 12 September.

The Jockey Club's senior inspector of courses, Richard Linley, will return on Tuesday to assess prospects for the fixture on 19 September in advance of five-day entries being made.