A meeting took place on Monday, 20th August 2018, at the offices of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, The Curragh, Co Kildare to discuss the issues which arose at Ballinrobe on Monday, 13th August 2018, which resulted in the cancellation of the remainder of the meeting after the third race. It also discussed the future of flat racing at Ballinrobe in view of what occurred. 

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Irish Jockeys Association, Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, Association of Irish Racehorse Owners, Irish Stablestaff Association, Ballinrobe Race Committee, Association of Irish Racecourses, Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board. In total there were 24 attendees at the meeting. 

The following points were noted and unanimously accepted by all present:

i) The safety of jockeys and horses at all racecourses is paramount and must take precedence over all other considerations. 

ii) No rider who walked the Ballinrobe track before racing on Monday, 13th August 2018 had any issues with the way the track was laid out and presented and all agreed that the Ballinrobe racing surface is one of the best presented surfaces in the country. 

iii) There was no evidence that the racing surface of the track was giving way underfoot or that it had shifted but it was accepted that the riders had concerns that some horses were slipping. 

iv) The perceived issue with the racing surface was a once off and unlikely to reoccur. 

v) Procedures which the Stewards will apply for the calling off or race meetings will be reviewed. 

vi) Flat racing should continue at Ballinrobe.