Inquest set to begin

Racing Gowran abandonment: A crucial meeting between track authorities, Turf Club officials and jockeys' representatives will take place at Gowran Park tomorrow following Sunday's debacle at the Co Kilkenny course.

The move was confirmed yesterday by the Turf Club who also appeared to put most of the blame for the abandonment of racing after just two races down to the firm going.

Chief Executive Denis Egan said: "I don't think the problem would have arisen if the ground had been softer. The problems were exacerbated by the firm going which needed watering."

On Sunday the jockeys blamed the watering and the alignment of the track for two falls which provoked the abandonment of the fixture. However, Egan was keen to point out yesterday that apparently no concerns were raised before racing began.

"At least one senior jockey walked the track and no concerns were raised about the track alignment or about the bend before the first race.

"It's also important to point out that the track was aligned exactly the same as the previous meeting.

"We know the jockeys have had ongoing problems with that bend and have had some meetings with the clerk of the course Paddy Graffin."

Tomorrow's meeting will include the Gowran management, who insist no watering took place after Saturday afternoon, the inspector of courses and the clerk of the course.