Racing abandoned for second night in a row at major racetrack as horse slips over in worrying scenes after jockey injury

RACING was abandoned for the second night in a row at the same racetrack. The meeting on Tuesday was abandoned after horses slipped on the wet bend at Bellewstown. The meeting at Bellewstown was cancelled for the second night in a row Credit: Getty Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle was taken to hospital on Tuesday after his horse slipped Credit: PA Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle had to be taken to hospital yesterday after sustaining injuries when he came off Mosel with a furlong to go in the opening race. And 24 hours later, the action at the same course needed to be cancelled again. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! This time, Garrick Painter was the horse that lost its footing on the track – in the same area but on a different racing line from yesterday. And Bellewstown made the decision to call off the rest of the day’s racing to avoid any further injuries to horses or jockeys. READ MORE ON HORSE RACING The meeting was part of the celebrations marking 300 years of racing at the Irish venue. There were two races left at the time of the freakishly similar incident. It is understood Garrick Painter galloped away unhurt and rider Simon Torrens walked back to the weighing room. The IHRB confirmed the decision on X. Most read in Sport A statement said: “The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in Race 6 at @BellewstownRace involving Garrick Painter, ridden by Simon Torrens, where Garrick Painter slipped up. “The Raceday Stewards met with a delegation of Riders, the IHRB Clerk of the Course, representatives of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and the Racecourse Manager. “Having reviewed the footage and considered the observations, the Raceday Stewards determined that in circumstances where they cannot be satisfied that racing should continue due to safety concerns, it is with deep reluctance, they decided that there was no option but to abandon the remainder of the fixture under the provisions of Rule 10.” Emmet McNamara, on behalf of the Irish Jockeys Association, implied several riders were still happy to take part in the final two races. But the decision was taken out of their hands. McNamara added: “Some riders felt they could have continued on, but I think it was pretty clear to see that Simon’s horse had taken a slip. “Upon investigation of it down there as well, it’s pretty obvious when the horse’s hoof met the ground it continued to travel with a slip and a skid. “It was obviously an isolated incident on the night but I’d suppose with the weight of evidence we had from yesterday, you can see why they’ve come to the sensible decision to call things off. “It’s hugely disappointing for Bellewstown this evening and I know the trainers and jockeys were very keen to support it. “For the first five races there was no problem and everyone was full of confidence, but unfortunately it’s been taken out of their hands. “With 300 years of racing in Bellewstown, no doubt they’ll be coming back fighting fit and there won’t be any issues going forward. “It’s just a particularly tough summer, it seems to be a ground-related issue rather than any kind of alignment issue. “There’s been three different racing lines over the last 48 hours and we’ve seen different issues with all of them.” Superstar jockey McMonagle is set to be sidelined for “weeks” and spent the night in hospital. IHRB chief medical officer Jennifer Pugh posted on X on Tuesday: “Following his fall in the first race at Bellewstown, Dylan Browne McMonagle was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. “Dylan was conscious when leaving the racecourse and is recovering well in hospital this evening. “He is very appreciative of the goodwill messages he has received since this afternoon. “Dylan will be kept in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital overnight for further assessment and observation and will be out for a number of weeks but will make a full recovery.” On Friday, Gary Noonan suffered multiple broken ribs, punctures to both lungs and a broken shoulder blade in a horrific fall – and remains in hospital. Amateur Joey Dunne also had to be hospitalised with a fractured jaw. And Paddy O’Brien fractured both his pelvis and a vertebra in his back. Comment now