A PROBE into the abandonment of racing at a North-East course just minutes before the start is due to take place later this year.

The Jockey Club Disciplinary Committee inquiry into the calling-off of the race day at Redcar, east Cleveland, in May last year is due to take place, in London, on April 15 and 16.

The event was abandoned after jockeys and trainers expressed concerns over the condition of the ground just minutes before the first race.

At the time, trainer Nick Littmoden, from Newmarket, was furious.

"It is a disgrace," he said. "We have overnighted horses and staff and I have driven up, but who is going to be expected to pick up the bill? We know the answer to that one."

The Jockey Club says it has taken considerably longer than anticipated to compile the evidence and gather witness statements.

Malcolm Wallace, director of regulation, said: "There is no doubt this whole process has taken a lot longer than we expected or wanted.

"The inquiry could require as many as 20 witnesses and one of the reasons for the delay has been the time it has taken to gather evidence and statements.

"As the turf flat season drew to a close, it became apparent that the jockeys involved in giving evidence at the inquiry would be abroad and unavailable for much of the winter.

"Consequently, the decision was made to try and identify a time when all those involved should be able to attend.

"As with any meeting abandoned on the day of racing, the repercussions affect many people, and I do believe that it is in the interests of everyone concerned that the matter is dealt with thoroughly."

Both the Jockey Club and Redcar Racecourse have instructed lawyers to represent them. The racecourse declined to comment until after the inquiry.