Southwell passes doctor's examination

Unsurprisingly enough, the medical services at Southwell racecourse were found to be satisfactory when Dr Michael Turner, the Jockey Club's chief medical adviser, at last inspected them yesterday, writes John Cobb. Dr Turner had offered his resignation last week when he believed that his employers were content to allow racing to go ahead at the Nottinghamshire track without the then controversial facilities coming under his further scrutiny.

The course was the scene of the fatal fall of the jockey Richard Davis in July after which Dr Turner felt such concern at facilities there that he recommended that the track's next fixture should not be allowed to go ahead unless matters were improved.

Dr Turner was accompanied on his tour yesterday by two leading medical figures, Dr Richard Glover and Ian Rose, as well as Tony Goodhew, the director of racecourse services for the Jockey Club.

After vetting Southwell's ability to meet Jockey Club requirements throughout the afternoon Goodhew reported satisfaction at the course's arrangments.

"The verdict is as we very much hoped," he said. "Following Dr Turner's inspection, Southwell complies fully with the general instructions and we are very satisfied with the course's level of medical care."