Sandown passes inspection for Saturday card

Saturday’s meeting at Sandown will go ahead as originally planned after both the hurdles and chase tracks passed an inspection on Thursday morning.

Heavy rain earlier in the week had left the venue waterlogged in places, with the chase track rated in better shape than the hurdles course and a provisional six-race card over fences planned.

That stand-by card will not be required though, as clerk of the course Andrew Cooper found conditions to have improved with the hurdles track now fit for action and the ground reported to be heavy soft in places.

The feature event of the seven-race fixture is the Grade One Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and the going over fences is rated slightly better as soft, heavy in places.

A statement from the track said: “Following an inspection this morning, the decision has been made to continue with our original seven-race programme on Saturday, including both hurdle and chase races.

“Whilst no further inspection is currently planned, we will continue to monitor the conditions over the next 48 hours and provide an update should it be necessary.”

Thursday’s card at Wincanton also got the go-ahead after a morning check.

An inspection was planned for 8am but officials were able to make an earlier call, with the ground described as heavy.