THOUSANDS of spectators descended on Chester Racecourse for the annual family-friendly Roman Day – but racing was brought to a premature end on safety grounds.
The ICM Stellar Sports Roman Day began in fine weather, with a seven-race card planned.
The featured race, the ICM Stellar Sports Handicap Stakes (Class 2) just in front No 7 Boardman - jockey David Allan in yellow. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
However, after the horse Humanitarian slipped and fell in the fourth race of the day, the ICM Stellar Sports Handicap Stakes, an inspection was held following concerns from jockeys and stewards.
While neither the horse nor the jockey were injured in the fall, the decision was taken to abandon the remainder of the day's racing on safety grounds.
On guard, Roman soldiers Colin Jones, Tom Hudson and Ed Greenhalgh of Chester Roman Tours. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
A statement from Chester Racecourse following the abandonment read: "Unfortunately racing was abandoned today due to concerns from stewards and jockeys regarding the ground.
"The final decision not to race was taken by the British Horseracing Authority Stewards. Horse and jockey welfare is paramount and we respect their decision.
Sam Holdaway, Max Morderley, Michael Smith, Rhyse Parsons. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
"As per our terms and conditions, no refunds will be offered after the feature race."
The curtailed raceday programme was the third to take place at UK racecourses in just four days, after racing was abandoned at Beverley last Wednesday and Haydock saw only two races on Friday.
Paige Wright and Becca Thompson. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
Chester Racecourse only provides refunds in the event less than 50 per cent of its scheduled race programme takes place. In this instance, four out of the seven races had been completed.
The last time a Chester Racecourse public raceday came to an abrupt end was in 2012, when a torrential downpour caused flash flooding at the ground.
Roman artifact from Grosvenor Museum, Chester with Virginia Kettle, Cerys Royles, 10, and brother Owain Royles, 8, Liz Montgomery. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
Writing on social media, CEO of Chester Racecourse Louise Stewart said: "We will be writing to all of our customers to apologise that racing was curtailed, explain what happened and the extra measures we had taken following abandonments earlier in the week."
Despite the premature end to proceedings, families were able to have fun in the sun and enjoy a series of Roman-themed activities at the Roodee on Saturday.
Roman soldier Jenson Taylor age 9. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
The next race meeting to take place at Chester Racecourse will be the Edinburgh Gin Summer Saturday on June 11. For more information, visit https://www.chester-races.com/
See our gallery of pictures, taken by photographer Simon Warburton.
Crowds return to Chester Racecourse for the annual Roman Day. All pictures: Simon Warburton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel