Trainers expressed anger towards the Newcastle ground as 31 runners were withdrawn, citing safety concerns for their horses. Trainers who were responsible for the large number of non-runners on Thursday’s jumps card at Newcastle described the conditions as hazardous and rough. They are calling for more transparency surrounding going descriptions, as there was uncertainty about the ground changing to firm in places only on the raceday morning. Due to a dry spell and a broken watering system, the ground was changed from good, good to soft in places to good, good to firm in places, resulting in 31 of the original 70 declared runners being taken out. Trainers assessed the racing surface upon arrival and found the conditions in the home straight to be quick, while one trainer expressed concern about the lack of grass covering, describing it as “threadbare.”