Haydock Park is investigating the issue that disrupted racing on Saturday after Friendly Soul stepped into a hole around two and a half furlongs out in the opening Hedge of Oak Stakes.
Investigations revealed a significant drainage issue, leading to the sprint races being moved to the inside course and the round-course races being abandoned.
Excavations have begun at Haydock as clerk of the course Dan Cooper begins his investigation.
Haydock’s Abandoned Fixtures Moved to Carlisle
An inspection led to Friday and Saturday’s fixtures at the course being cancelled, with Cooper and his team deeming the inside track unsuitable to sustain the two cards. The Saturday meeting has been moved to Carlisle.
Professional agronomists are assessing the area to determine the root cause of the issue.
Drainage Investigation Underway
Cooper stated that advanced GPS drawings of all the lateral drainage at Haydock Park racecourse since the rail realignment project are available. Drainage contractors also have access to them.
Excavations began and are now on day two. Equipment was mobilised and brought in, agronomists came, and a BHA representative was present.
Cooper said they wanted everyone to understand the size of the hole left after racing and any immediate findings from the experts.
A large rectangle has been dug into the surface of the track. Cooper stated that the immediate area has drainage, so there is a drainage link, but that might not necessarily be the cause.
Varying profiles of soil were also found, and there’s drainage of varying degrees every two to five metres.
Historic Challenges at Haydock Park
Cooper said that while GPS could help locate some of the thousands of drains under the track, there were historic challenges at play. The area has been in use for various activities since the 19th century, with the current racecourse opening in 1899.
Hoping to Resume Racing in June
The track’s next fixture is slated to take place on June 20, and Cooper hopes the track will be suitable for racing by then.
Cooper stated that they are working on this week-by-week because they don’t have an answer to the excavations yet, and they don’t know the extent of the repair. Next week involves reinstating the surface, and then they need to conduct the survey.
- Haydock Park’s Saturday meeting has been moved to Carlisle.
- Investigations are focused on a drainage issue.
- Excavations are underway to find the cause.
Cooper stated that they cannot be foolish and look too far ahead.