There were further problems at Bellewstown on Wednesday which led to the final two races being abandoned following an incident in the sixth race.

Tuesday's flat card was abandoned after two races because of problems with a bend four furlongs from home.

Wednesday's jumps card got the go-ahead following remedial work and course inspections.

No problems were reported in the opening five races but following the sixth race the stewards heard from jockey Simon Torrens whose mount Garrick Painter slipped up approximately four furlongs from home.

Torrens said that there had been contact with the horse on his inside but he added that the cause of the fall was that the ground had moved from underneath his mount causing it to slip up.

Having considered the evidence, viewed a recording of the race and consulted with the IHRB clerk of the course, the stewards then met with a delegation of riders, the clerk of the course, representatives of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and the racecourse manager.

Having viewed the footage and considered the observations, the raceday stewards determined that "in circumstances where they could not be satisfied that racing should continue due to safety concerns, it was with deep reluctance, they decided that there was no option but to abandon the remainder of the fixture."

Earlier races

The card opened with a front-running win for Declan Queally’s Rocky’s Howya (5/1) in the Tote Claiming Hurdle, pulling eight lengths clear of the chasing pack under 5lb claimer Eoin Staples.

Of the ground, the winning rider said: “It’s lovely, slow side of good and there could even be a bit of yielding at the bends. No complaints.”

Queally was delighted the performance, adding: “In that grade he is (dynamite), but I always kind of think when I come away out of a claimer that I will be able to place him in something that he can be competitive in, but I still haven’t fired that dart – I will try again, though.

“He has won six races this year and it is hard to win one, so I’m delighted.”

Seventh-placed Eastern Wind was subsequently claimed by Michael Owen to be trained by Hugo Palmer

Thesilverbridle made it third time lucky under rules in the Bet With Tote On Racing & Sports Maiden Hurdle.

The point-to-point winner had finished second on her first two starts for John McConnell, but knuckled down from the final flight to go one better as a 7/4 shot in the hands of Alex Harvey.

“She’s not the biggest, but she is quite well-bred as a half-sister to (Grade 2 winner) Senecia,” said McConnell.

“We’ll definitely keep her going. She is a novice now until the end of April, so she is going to have to keep going for that. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ended up in Sedgefield or somewhere. Baby steps and then see where she takes us.”

An eventful Tote.ie Handicap Hurdle was landed by Ardgillan who negotiated a dramatic contest to pounce late at 18/1 under 7lb claimer Josh Halford.

Grace’s Legacy and Hatfield Hammer made it no further than the first, falling independently, while one of those subsequently forced the well-backed Dunany Point out approaching the wing of a hurdle in the back straight.

With four in contention over the last rising star Daniel King looked to have timed his run to perfection arriving late on Goin, only for Halford to deliver his challenge even later on the outside close home. Steps In The Sand denied Goin the runner-up spot.

Halford said of the Martin Lynch-trained winner: “Dad (former trainer Michael Halford) actually had him as a bumper horse. We broke him and got him riding, and he showed us the world at home – he’s a very good work horse, but didn’t do it on the track for some reason.

“It was great for Martin, he did a great job with the horse. To be fair to Fiona (Wentges, owner), she was a big part of dad’s yard for a very, very long time and stayed loyal to me, so it was great to do it in her colours.

“I was able to stay out of trouble. I said I would drop him three-quarters of the way back and take my time on him and just get him into a rhythm because his jumping is very good.”

He added: “I love it (since turning conditional), I’m doing a lot more riding which is great. I’m getting plenty of opportunities off great trainers and owners and I’m very grateful for every opportunity.

“Still based with Gordon (Elliott) and he is very good to give me two days off a week which I do with Enda Bolger, who I rode plenty of point-to-point winners for. I’ve started in Noel Meade’s on a Saturday which is great.”