THE future of flat racing in Wexford is under review following concerns expressed by professionals during last Saturday’s fixture.

Since Wexford began racing left-handed in March 2015 the safety limit for flat races there has been reduced to 10 or 12 depending on race distance.

There were three inquiries into interference last Saturday and the stewards found that all cases were accidental and no action was required. Some jockeys and trainers have expressed safety concerns and the Turf Club has called a meeting of all stakeholders.

Denis Egan, chief executive of the Turf Club, said: “We hope to hold a meeting in the next week or two to discuss the situation. Jockeys, trainers, the Licensing Committee, clerks of the course, representatives from Wexford and Horse Racing Ireland will all be invited to attend.”

One jockey, who asked not to be identified, said: “Wexford Racecourse has tried hard to make it work but even 10 runners is too many on fast ground there. It’s grand when the going is on the soft side. If they didn’t have to cater for flat racing they would have more room to make the track even better for jump racing.”

Trainer John Murphy does not agree. He said: “Racing at Wexford is much better since they started racing left-handed and I haven’t seen anything to cause concern at recent meetings. Wexford does a good job at keeping the ground from going too quick and I think they should continue as they are. In my opinion a safety limit of 10-12 is about right for all the tighter circuits.”

Murphy added: “HRI and the Turf Club have a bigger issue to address – there is a shortage of flat meetings at the moment and two-year-old races in particular. Killarney has three days of racing next week and only one is flat.”