Newcastle races hit by big delay due to ‘pesky golfers’ – before huge drama unfolds in the first
NEWCASTLE'S Thursday card was hit by big delays - due to 'pesky golfers' walking on the track.
The first contest of the eight-race jumps card was due off at 11.55am but 25 minutes later there were still no horses in the parade ring.
The delay is owing to the condition of the turf where golfers on the nearby Northumberland Gold Club cross the track.
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Andrew Thornton said on Sky Sports Racing: "The problem area is where the golf course crosses and the golfers walk across the track, it gets compacted in that area.
"Racing is going to go back by at least half an hour.
"It must be 10C here but down the back straight are trees where the crossing is, causing the issue.
"It's those pesky golfers!"
Jane Hedley, clerk of the course, said: "There's not so much grass where the golfers cross and it's also in shade.
"The sun didn't get to that spot till half 11 and we just felt we need some more time.
"It's a strip only two or three metres wide. We're going to give it another half hour."
There was no suggestion the meeting will be cancelled given the track is bathed in sunshine.
Thomas Messenger, assistant trainer to Dan Skelton's 8-15 fav Beau Quali, said they had no concerns over the ground, deeming it totally safe.
But the off times of all the following races is anyone's guess.
Some 25 minutes after the first was due off were the horses being walked into the parade ring for the opener.
And the first was finally underway at 12.29pm, some 34 minutes later than planned.
There was no shortage of drama in it, though.
Beau Quali, the huge fav, butchered the third last when looking in total control.
That gifted the lead to 7-2 Broderick, who ran out an easy if very laboured winner.
Harry Skelton and Beau Quali were both up OK from their tumble.
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