Racing at Catterick yesterday, which got the go-ahead following three inspections, was abandoned in controversial circumstances after the running of the first race. And there will be an 8.00 a.m. inspection to see if today's meeting can take place.

Jockeys, who rode in the opener, claimed the ground was unsafe and stewards' secretary Robert Earnshaw explained: "Several jockeys expressed concern about the ground and as a result a deputation inspected the course.

"An inquiry was subsequently held under Jockey Club general instruction 14 (VI) and after speaking to all concerned the stewards decided that the meeting should be abandoned in the interests of safety.

"There were varying opinions expressed by the trainers."

Only three of the eight runners completed the course in the Helsiter Novices' Chase which was won by 20-1 chance The Khoinoa, trained by Ann Swinbank.

Tony Dobbin was due to ride the gelding but he failed to arrive and Jim Crowley deputised.