Cheltenham & Rooney's To Discuss Boycott

Cheltenham & Rooney's To Discuss Boycott

Cheltenham representatives are to set to meet with Paul and Clare Rooney this week, after they continue to boycott the course in spite of recent incidents to their runners.

Since November, the Rooney's have instructed their trainers to not enter any of their horses at Prestbury Park under any circumstances, due to concerns the track poses unnecessary dangers.

The couple - currently fourth in the Owners Championship, have not spoken with Cheltenham Racecourse about the matter, but both sides are keen to settle the debate, with officials from the course looking to reinsure their safety polices are up to scratch.

(Credit: Racing Post) Speaking on Sunday, Paul Rooney said: "They wrote us a letter a couple of weeks ago requesting a meeting to discuss the situation.

"We have not responded yet but we will set up a meeting with Cheltenham in the very near future and take it from there."

However, they remain solid on their boycott at this stage, and do not have any runners preparing to race at the Festival venue on Trials Day this coming Saturday.

Ian Renton, Manager of the Racecourse said: "We have written to the Rooney's and we're waiting to hear back from them about setting something up.

"Whatever Paul and Clare prefer and whoever they want to see, we'll work with them to try to find a suitable time.

"I think all these things are better done face to face rather than through correspondence and we’ll get something in the diary and discuss what needs to be discussed with them," he finished.