Flat racing cancelled at Chepstow

Chepstow fall blamed on insects

The two remaining flat racing meetings of the season at Chepstow have been abandoned because of safety fears.

Racing was suspended at the racecourse on 3 September after two horses inexplicably fell at the same spot.

A Jockey Club inspection has identified small areas of loose turf, caused by grass roots being eaten by an infestation of crane fly.

Repairs will now be carried out on the areas and racing will return on 8 October for the jump season.

The Welsh racecourse intends to hold the two abandoned meetings on 19 and 24 September at alternative venues.

Chepstow general manager Simon Lee backed the Jockey Club's decision.

"It's very, very disappointing but it's the right decision to make," he said.

The key is dealing with the breeding season in November Chepstow general manager Simon Lee

"Safety has to come first. Our clerk of the course was on the ground with the inspection team on Tuesday morning and he agrees with the decision.

"It is a joint decision, although the Jockey Club would have the final say, but we're fully behind the decision on safety grounds."

The damaged areas have been caused by an infestation of crane fly, more often known as daddy-longlegs, eating the grass roots.

Lee believes they have been caught out by increased crane fly breeding as a result of the mild winter.

He said they have started planning preventative measures to ensure the problem does not resurface.

Lee said: "The key is dealing with the breeding season in November.

"We want to make sure we lay down chemicals to ensure the level of breeding is reduced to the minimal."