Naas Horse Racing Abandoned Due to Heavy Fog
Heavy Fog Abandons Naas Horse Racing: Betting Chaos & Rescheduled Races
The Grade 1 horse racing fixture at Naas was unexpectedly abandoned following just one race due to the onset of heavy fog, causing a significant disruption in the day’s events. The foggy conditions were so extreme that both the viewers and commentators were left in confusion as the visibility became virtually non-existent, making it impossible to follow the course of the race or even see the horses.
Unpredictable Betting Odds Amidst Foggy Chaos
In the 12:30 race, Brandy Love began as the front-runner, with odds as favorable as 1/100 at one point. However, the thick fog led to a fluctuation in in-play betting odds. As the fog cleared, Night and Day emerged from the obscurity as the winning horse, with Jumping Jet and Tophill Low finishing third and fourth respectively. The unexpected turn of events caused great frustration among fans, some of whom labelled the situation as an ‘absolute farce’.
Disappointment over Abandoned Races
The races, which included the high-profile Grade One Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, were rescheduled for Friday following consultation between officials, stewards, riders, trainers, and weather authorities. Despite the rescheduling, the abrupt cancellation left many fans, especially those who had placed bets on Brandy Love, disappointed. The officials and stewards, while expressing regret over the situation, emphasized the importance of safety and providing a proper spectacle for spectators.
Rescheduling Offers Little Solace
Even though the races have been rescheduled, the postponement did little to alleviate the disappointment of many punters who were eagerly anticipating the day’s events. The visibility issues, caused by temperatures dropping to -2 Celsius overnight, resulted in a grass frost that made it hazardous for jockeys to navigate the track. The Irish Horse Racing Board (IHRB) ultimately decided to abandon the remainder of the card in the interest of safety.
