Following a precautionary inspection this morning, the track at Fairyhouse was found to be fit for racing and the fixture scheduled for Saturday goes ahead.

Brian Hamilton, IHRB clerk of the course at Fairyhouse, said: “I’m pleased to report that Fairyhouse is fit for racing and the fixture scheduled for today goes ahead.

“Since our update yesterday afternoon we have had a further 2mm of rain overnight but it’s been a dry morning and the ground remains heavy.

“It is to remain dry here until late morning and there is the possibility of 3mm of rain through to the end of racing according to Met Éireann.”

Abandoned

The two fixtures cancelled this week at Fairyhouse (Monday) and Clonmel (Friday) due to waterlogging will not be rescheduled. A spokesperson for Horse Racing Ireland said: “As both Fairyhouse and Clonmel had already been rescheduled from previous dates, they will not be rescheduled a second time.”

Point-to-points

Today's Ward Union (S) Oldtown point-to-point in North Co Dublin has also passed a Saturday morning inspection. The meeting was originally scheduled for last Sunday.

Today’s other point-to-point at Ballygogue House in Laois also goes ahead, but Sunday’s meeting at Lisronagh in Co Tipperary has been put back to next Saturday, February 28th.

No ground problems are anticipated on Sunday at Tinahely in Co Wicklow or at Kildorrery in Co Cork.

The Carbery fixture at Bandon on Sunday, March 1st, and the Longford meeting at Daramona House on Sunday, March 15th have both been cancelled.

Munster Final

In other fixture list news, Killarney’s National Hunt fixture on Sunday, May 10th has been swapped with the National Hunt fixture at Cork the day before, Saturday, May 9th.

This change follows confirmation that the Munster Football Final will take place on Sunday, May 10th. As the reigning All-Ireland champions, Kerry are likely to be in the final and there is a strong chance it will be played in Killarney.

Killarney Racecourse manager Karl McCay said: “Once the dates were confirmed we thought it best to be proactive and seek a swap with Cork.”

A Munster Final in Killarney on the same day as a race meeting would have had a significant impact on stable staff travelling horses, as well as on connections, other industry staff and racegoers intending to be there.

“Swapping the dates at this juncture was the easiest and most pragmatic solution, so thanks again to our friends at Cork and to the HRI Fixtures Committee for accommodating this request.”