Romford racing manager Peter O’Dowd is considering switching the Coral Essex Vase to replace January’s ‘Cat 2’ Coronation Cup after Friday’s first round meeting was cancelled as part of the ongoing fire safety issues at the stadium.
O’Dowd said: “We are bitterly disappointed. Even this morning we were convinced that we would get the go-ahead for Friday and we took Essex Vase entries. Then, we were told the bad news. I did consider switching the first round to Monday, but without absolute assurances that Monday will go ahead – something that I am not in a position to promise – I thought it best to edge on the side of caution and cancel the event completely.”
While full details are to emerge, it appears that the local Fire Safety officers are concerned about an area between the judge’s box and the main grandstand. In addition to the racing office staff, the area would also accommodate the hare driver. Offers to have fire wardens manning the area were not accepted by the safety official.
O’Dowd said: “Our sincerest apologies to all the owners and trainers affected. We will advise everyone as soon as we have further news. I have proposed that we split the prize money between the runners in this Friday’s final if that is acceptable to connections.”
