McPherson among trainers 'astounded' by decision to race at Leicester

Trainer Graeme McPherson described himself as "astounded" at the decision to race at Leicester despite a government-imposed lockdown of the city.

In total 19 horses were withdrawn at the meeting on Tuesday, with 11 taken out by trainers over concerns connected to the meeting going ahead against the backdrop of the renewed lockdown in the city, while a 12th came out because of the use of flip starts.

McPherson had been due to run Homing Star and was stinging in his criticism of the decision to race on.

"Given the government’s advice overnight and how it was clarified this morning, I was frankly astounded that the BHA considered it appropriate to race at Leicester today," said McPherson.

Controversy as Leicester races on despite coronavirus lockdown

"To be saying to the people in the very area that the racecourse is situated that they should stay at home if they possibly can and avoid all non-essential travel, as well as telling all non-essential businesses that they can’t open in line with the rest of the country, while encouraging trainers and jockeys to go racing, just seems to me to be a very surprising stance for the BHA to be taking at the moment.

"Whether or not racing can or cannot take place safely, it is a case of public perception. I can't believe that the public will perceive racing to be doing the right thing."

Alan King was another trainer to highlight his concern at how the meeting would look, both to the people of Leicester and the wider public.

Alan King consulted with his staff and owners before deciding to scratch his two runners at Leicester on TuesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "I am surprised we're racing under the circumstances there. I had a word with the staff this morning and they didn't feel terribly comfortable about it either. I personally don't think we should be going to Leicester tonight when the Health Minister is saying we should keep travel there to an absolute minimum.

"If other people are happy to do it, that’s fine, but I felt very uncomfortable at the situation.

"Deep down I think it could be a PR disaster for racing which we don’t need. I think we have to look at the big picture here. I have the full support of my owners."

Mick Appleby and Chelsea Banham expressed similar sentiments online, while confusion over the late decision of the stewards to use flip starts caused further concern.

After winning the opener with Glamorous Force, trainer Ron Harris said: "I was on my way from Chepstow and didn't know anything about no stalls until I picked up the saddle, and I immediately phoned the owner to make the decision [whether to run]."

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