Void race 'cock-up' at Chelmsford as Storm Doris hits

Racing at Chelmsford bore the brunt of Storm Doris on Thursday, with one race declared void due to "a cock-up".

Extremely high winds destroyed the windows of a commentary box and an inspection had to be held after the second race of the day.

But the meeting was given the green light to continue and racing continued as planned, although there were bizarre scenes at one point as the 3.30 race was declared void.

Nautical Haven crossed the line first in that six-furlong handicap but the race was declared void because of a mix-up concerning the starting procedure.

Soon after the stalls opened, the advanced flag operator mistakenly raised her 'recall' flag, meaning the riders should pull up.

However, the jockeys continued to race, with the Kevin Ryan-trained Nautical Haven passing the post in front.

As well as inquiring into the flag incident, the stewards investigated why the riders did not pull up as required but, having heard their evidence, and in light of the flag operator not following the correct procedures, the jockeys were found not in breach.

Ryan said: "It's very disappointing as it's expensive for everyone, to travel the horse all the way down there.

You'd have thought in this day and age we would have the technology to make it more foolproof than it is. To still have a flag-man is ridiculous.

"He won the race and it's just been a cock-up.

"It's not as if any of the lads had to pull up - they all rode their race to the finish.

"It's just typical, unfortunately, that common sense hasn't prevailed.

"You'd have thought in this day and age we would have the technology to make it more foolproof than it is. To still have a flag-man is ridiculous.

"When we make mistakes, we are punished for them."

A report was forwarded to the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.

Course commentator Mike Cattermole had earlier escaped unscathed as glass flew around him and said: "It's been strange, that's for sure.

"There was obviously a big doubt about racing going ahead and we had a bit of drama with the windows blowing out in the commentary box, so I got out of there pretty quick.

"I ended up commentating on the full card from the broadcast office, which is a first. We've had a few shaky pictures and what have you, but somehow we got through, which is unbelievable really.

"Credit to all the horses and jockeys - rather them than me."