Punchestown racing ABANDONED and labelled a ‘farce’ as fog means fans and commentator struggle to see ANY of the action

PUNCHESTOWN racing was ABANDONED after being labelled a ‘farce’ as thick fog meant punters and the poor commentator struggled to see any of the action. Racing was allowed to take place over the Irish course after it passed an inspection this morning. There were real concerns the John Durkan card could be called off due […]

PUNCHESTOWN racing was ABANDONED after being labelled a ‘farce’ as thick fog meant punters and the poor commentator struggled to see any of the action.

Racing was allowed to take place over the Irish course after it passed an inspection this morning.

There were real concerns the John Durkan card could be called off due to the dense fog – but the action was initially given the thumbs up.

This proved a questionable decision as the feature race – won by Min – turned into a total shambles with the commentator and fans unable to see anything at all during parts of the race.

Famed commentator Jerry Hannon tried his best to call the action.

But even he had to concede at moments that he had no clue where the horses and jockeys were.

Hannon said at one point in the race: “I’m not overly sure of their current location at this point.”

And as the runners came for home in the Grade 1 contest over 2m 4f, he said: “I think I can hear them coming down the home straight now.”

The weather spoiled the main race of the day and an inspection as to whether the racing should continue was held immediately at the conclusion of the contest.

The racing was officially abandoned at just after 2.20pm.

PA:Press Association

Brendan Sheridan, clerk of the course, said: “The visibility was very poor and it just got a little bit unsafe.

“We had a look. We delayed it for 15 minutes. But the fog is back down now. You can’t see as much.

“Safety comes first and we weren’t happy to go ahead.”

Fans were up in arms it was allowed to happen in the first place, with the remaining four races all called off.

One said: “Why in the hell are they racing at Punchestown? Another farce! Call it off FFS!!!”

A fellow user wrote: “Punchestown a complete farce lmao ‘I think I can hear then coming’.”

One comment read: “How is Punchestown on seriously? This is ridiculous.”

Another wrote: “This fog at Punchestown is ridiculous.”

A fellow user posted: “That John Durkan was a complete farce, what was the point in running that?@punchestownrace.

“Barely saw them the whole race and then up the run in the pictures are focused on Melon in 3rd rather than the scrap for first. Did anyone get any joy from that at all?”

One comment read: “Crazy scenes at Punchestown, can’t see a thing. G1 no commentary.”

While another wrote: “Don’t see the point of showing Punchestown with the fog can’t enjoy the racing like that it’s beyond a joke.”

Min, the 13-8 favourite, won his third straight John Durkan Memorial Chase to lead home a Willie Mullins one-two-three.

Tornado Flyer came second and Melon grabbed third.

Jockey Patrick Mullins was delighted with the victory but ‘gutted’ fans did not get to enjoy it due to the fog.

He said: “I’m gutted as he put in an exhibition of jumping and you couldn’t see it.”

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