RACING/News: A potential strike by racecourse doctors that would have brought racing to a halt in Ireland was averted last night.

The Racecourse Medical Officers Association, who had threatened to withdraw their services on Sunday week, reached agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses over pay and conditions at a meeting at the Turf Club.

"We are making considerable compromises in the interests of racing," said the RMOA chairman, Dr David Maloney.

"We are looking to the future rather than the present and trying to secure the supply of medical officers in the years ahead," he added.

At least two doctors have to be present at a race meeting or it cannot go ahead. The medical officers had been looking to double their fees to a500 per day in order to cover costs and attract new members to their association.

Sunday week sees two race meetings in Ireland at Tramore and more significantly at the Curragh where the Gladness Stakes is scheduled to be run.

Meanwhile, officials at Aintree have begun to water the course in order to produce ground no faster than good for next week's Grand National meeting.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: "In view of this morning's detailed weather report we have decided to apply approximately four millimetres of water to the hurdles, Mildmay and Grand National courses. "The going at present on all three courses is good."