Final Three Goodwood Races Nixed As Card Abandoned Following Inspection

[Wandering Eyes]

The final three races of the Qatar Goodwood Festival Saturday card were cancelled after the racecourse failed to pass inspection after the Coral Stewards' Cup.

A group of officials, trainers and jockeys went to inspect the track, and paid particular attention to the bend into the home straight. After the running of the G2 Lillie Langtry S. at 3 p.m, which took place during a torrential downpour, some jockeys were concerned regarding the state of the round course.

Ed Arkell, Goodwood's director of racing, told Racing TV, “The jockeys expressed concern after the Lillie Langtry S. that there were some areas on the bend that they weren't happy about.

“They were happy to race on the straight course, hence we ran the Stewards' Cup and then after that we've gone out to have a look and see what state the bends are in.

“There is an area of false ground on the bottom bend and unfortunately we are unable to get around it. All three of the remaining races come round the bottom bend.

“We were happy that the Stewards' Cup was fine, the issue was on the round course, not the straight course.

“Obviously none of us want to end the meeting like this, it has been a very challenging week and I'd just like to thank my groundstaff.”

Saturday's card was the fifth and final of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

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