The aftermath of Sydney’s recent wet weather played havoc with barrier trials at Randwick on Monday when riders questioned the safety of the steeplegrass.
A horse ridden by Christian Reith stumbled in an early trial and premier jockey Nash Rawiller also voiced concerns over parts of the track.
After four trials on the steeplegrass, trainers of the remaining horses were given the option to run in heats on the dirt.
Several took up the offer but most declined to run.
The Australian Turf Club racecourses manager Lindsay Murphy said his team inspected the track and although they could find nothing badly wrong, jockey safety was paramount.
“The jockeys thought they were getting into the ground too much,” Murphy said.
“A horse Christian Reith was riding knuckled over at the 100 metres.
“We inspected it but there was nothing apparent.
“Nash also had concerns over a section that was chopped up.
“It was to be expected after the rain we’ve had and it is still quite wet.
“At the end of the day the jockeys had concerns and safety is the first priority.
“We gave everyone the option of the dirt and those who used it said it was OK.”
The barrier trials were transferred to Monday after they were washed out on Friday.
AAP TURF
