THE late cancellation of the Killultagh, Old Rock and Chichester meeting at Largy last Friday left a sour feeling, particularly among those who had travelled horses a long way to the fixture and racegoers who were not reimbursed their entrance fee on leaving the venue.

With no entry tickets these days, or even coloured stickers on cars, trying to return patrons’ money in a situation like this is a minefield and while some had their money reimbursed, not everyone did as the hunt then decided to offer free admission to Saturday’s meeting. Those who got to the racecard sellers early enough did get their money back while others exchanged cards on Saturday.

It was only when horses were in the parade ring for the first race that it was noticed by Frankie Fitzsimmons, who was on duty for the Turf Club, that the regulatory number of ambulances (two road vehicles and one 4x4) were not present.

The organisers were given some time to see if they could source another manned vehicle but, with none available, the meeting was abandoned. The Tandragee 100 motorbike racing fixture clashed with Largy this year so groups like the St John’s Ambulance were at full stretch.

However, the hunt should have been aware of this and should have confirmed the correct number of ambulances were going to be present for both days of the meeting. One would also think that if the booked vehicle had a problem about meeting its commitment, then that organisation should have alerted the hunt.

There was a brief debate about running the two cards on Saturday but this was deemed not feasible while running last night, which was also considered, would not have gone down well with the Newrys whose meeting takes place today at Taylorstown.

Not everyone present at Largy on Friday could, or wanted, to attend Saturday’s fixture and there were many who felt badly let down by the hunt who were forced to call off a meeting in similar circumstances in the past.

On Monday, the following was issued by the organisers:

STATEMENT FROM KILLULTAGH, OLD ROCK AND CHICESTER HUNT

“The Killultagh Hunt following the abandonment of Friday evening’s point-to-point fixture wish to apologise to everyone who attended on the first session of our meeting. It was most regrettable that due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers, insufficient ambulance cover arrived and the fixture had to be cancelled – we also fully understand the Turf Club’s decision to cancel as health and safety and the welfare of jockeys and spectators is paramount at sporting events.

While some racegoers were reimbursed their admission cost and those attending on Saturday were able to exchange Friday’s race card for Saturday’s fixture, it is impossible to compensate everyone affected. The Killultagh Hunt has therefore taken the decision to donate £1,000 to the Children’s Cancer Ward at the Belfast City Hospital as a gesture of goodwill.

We wish to thank sponsors, owners, trainers, riders and the public for their support and attendance on Saturday when seven races took place with the Hunt club providing free entry as a gesture following Friday’s failure to stage racing. Again the Killultagh Hunt apologise for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation on Friday to all concerned.”