Goodwood's final two races were abandoned on Saturday after a winning horse slipped in the pull-up area, unseating its jockey. The incident occurred moments after Yabher, the 9-4 favourite, had triumphed in the 1m1f handicap by an impressive six lengths.
Jockey Cieren Fallon Takes a Tumble
Yabher, who had made all the running and extended his lead in the final furlong, lost his footing while being slowed down after the race. Jockey Cieren Fallon slipped from the saddle but managed to catch his mount. However, Fallon appeared to be walking gingerly, prompting concerns.
As the horses were walked back in, an inspection was called. Racing representatives, including jockeys Charles Bishop and Daniel Muscutt, joined clerk of the course Ed Arkell to examine the track.
Decision to Abandon
Following the inspection, the decision was made to cancel the final two races—handicaps over a mile and seven furlongs for three-year-olds only. Presenter Tom Stanley told Racing TV viewers: "I'm afraid it is what we thought, it has gone. The pull-up area has been deemed unsafe. Quick ground and then loads of rain on it... that's a real shame I'm afraid."
Originally, a post on X indicated that the seventh race would be delayed, but Arkell's team ultimately felt it was not right to continue the meeting.
Official Statements
Arkell explained: "It was nice, quick flat racing ground and we have had a very, very heavy shower over the last 20 minutes and it hasn't had a chance to get in and horses pulling up on that bend past the winning line are slipping. Despite the remedial work we carried out, unfortunately it wasn't sufficient to enable us to carry on."
The stewards' report read: "An inspection was held as a result of concerns after three horses slipped on the pull-up area after race six. Riders Charles Bishop, Daniel Muscutt and Robert Havlin, trainer Richard Hughes, the clerk of the course, veterinary officer and BHA course inspector were interviewed. Having considered the evidence, the stewards ordered racing to be abandoned."
