Racing: Damage ends meeting

Photo / Steven McNicholl

The Group Three George Moore Stakes has been transferred to next week after the Eagle Farm meeting had to be abandoned after only two races yesterday because of damage to the track.

Stewards called the meeting off after attempts to erect a false rail to skirt a damaged section of the track failed.

The damage was caused by large tyre divots as the barriers and movable rail were dragged into place for the third race.

Horses engaged in that race had to return to the enclosure and were unsaddled when the damage was discovered.

Stewards, led by chief stipe Wade Birch, and senior riders Michael Cahill, Corey Brown, Chris Munce, Jim Byrne and Larry Cassidy inspected the track following the second race which was run in torrential rain.

The meeting began with a heavy (8) track but was downgraded to a heavy (10) following the downpour.

The 1200m George Moore Stakes will now be held at Eagle Farm next Saturday while two races, have been added to the Doomben meeting on Wednesday.

- AAP