Punchestown is off

Punchestown bowed to the inevitable yesterday and called off their meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

Heavy rain and a poor forecast meant that the fixture was abandoned in advance of an inspection tomorrow morning.

"We wanted to make an accurate and appropriate announcement as soon as possible and racing was just not possible," said the Punchestown manager Charlie Murless.

There are concerns about the condition of part of the track for Saturday's Leopardstown's Ladbroke meeting and there will be an inspection tomorrow at 4 p.m. Tom Burke, the track's racing manager, said yesterday evening: "We had some very heavy rain last night and again this morning and there is concern over the condition of both the chase and hurdle courses.

"Patches of the course are very wet and although there is no standing water, it is very sloppy.

"Also, the forecast is not great and we are expecting further rain tonight and on Thursday so it is sensible that we have a look."

Doubts have also grown about Navan going ahead on Sunday. An inspection there will take place at 2 p.m. tomorrow.