It was the second time a rider has suffered a major fall within a week at Chepstow after Sam Hitchcott sustained fractured ribs aboard Tetcott on Bank Holiday Monday in a similar position on the course.

“This decision was made really in response to conversations with trainers who have a lot of horses running this time of the year,” said Chepstow clerk of the course Tim Long.

“They expressed their concerns, and in the interests of horses and jockeys’ safety this was a necessary procedure.

“We need to get some serious irrigation done to encourage root growth in the isolated areas that have been affected.

“Thankfully, it does look like it’s only isolated areas on the track so next week will be telling in how we progress.”

Chepstow’s next scheduled meeting is on Monday, September 19 and Long is keeping his fingers crossed the course will be given the go-ahead to stage racing by then.

“The 19th is the target and we are hopeful, but having said that we are just going to have to wait and see,” added Long.

“In the meantime, the racing fits in well with Bath as the times remain unaltered (racing begins at 2pm and concludes at 5.25pm) and only a few distances have been changed.”

Meanwhile, Dobbs has been released from hospital with a badly-bruised back.

Dobbs left the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport this morning but must return for further X-rays to ascertain the full extent of the damage.

“Pat’s a bit stiff and sore but he is okay,” said Richard Hannon jnr.

“It was a nasty fall but we’ll obviously know more after he goes back to hospital.”