Curragh and Downpatrick meetings cancelled due to weather

Saturday's meetings at the Curragh and Downpatrick have fallen foul of Storm Kathleen.

The course is unfit for racing after 4mm of rain overnight.

The Waterford point-to-point fixture at Curraghmore this afternoon has also been cancelled due to a waterlogged track.

There will also be an inspection at Leopardstown on 7,30am on Sunday to see if that will go ahead with the course heavy but fit for racing on Saturday.

Brendan Sheridan, IHRB Clerk of the Course at the Curragh said: "Following a further 4mm of rain in the last 24 hours, unfortunately we have to cancel the fixture scheduled at The Curragh today as parts of the track are just not fit for racing.

"Regrettably, the weather has beaten us here and it is still raining at present so we have had to cancel the fixture scheduled for today."

Brian Hamilton, IHRB Clerk of the Course at Downpatrick said: "Due to a further 16mm of rain since declarations yesterday, unfortunately conditions have worsened here at Downpatrick and the track remains unfit for racing.

"Having walked the track again and spoken with Met Éireann this morning, the weather forecast is against us and the track is not going to have the opportunity to come right in time for tomorrow so we have made the decision to cancel the fixture scheduled for Sunday.

"It is a hugely disappointing start to the season for everyone at Downpatrick but we will liaise with Horse Racing Ireland to reschedule this meeting as soon as is appropriate."