CONCERNS have been raised over the condition of the ground at Worcester racecourse following the death of four horses at one meeting.

The British Horseracing Association is reviewing the fatalities at the Arena Leisure-owned Pitchcroft track on Friday, September 23.

Although the final two jump meetings of the season are set to go ahead, Hanley Swan-based trainer Andy Hobbs has said his yard will not be represented.

Lady Of Synone suffered a fractured pelvis during a handicap hurdle, while the yard also lost Environmental Dream at the venue on August 24.

Owner and trainer Jeff Sadik is also planning to boycott Worcester after Cengiz had to be destroyed in the stables after breaking down in the beginners’ chase.

Gerald Ham’s Hay Dandy had to be put down after suffering a fractured knee, while Lord Jay, trained by Charlie Longsdon, sustained a broken shoulder. However, neither trainer had any complaints about conditions.

But Hobbs said: “Ground is an issue and one very dodgy area is the Cathedral turn. It’s exceptionally sharp and the only way they can get horses around there is by heavily watering the corner. It’s inconsistency of ground that causes problems.”

An Arena Leisure spokeswoman said: “The welfare of horses is of the greatest concern to us and we do everything we can to provide the best going and safe conditions. All incidents are reported to the BHA.”

Paul Struthers, from the BHA, added: “Multiple fatal injuries on a single day could just be a case of a tragic statistical anomaly given all the circumstances were different.

“But we’re concerned about these fatal injuries at Worcester and are actively looking into them.”