MATT Ford described as “a dreadful shame” the cancellation of Chris Holder’s homecoming meeting after Pirates’ Challenge against Coventry last night bit the dust without a heat being raced.

A decent-sized crowd had gathered at Wimborne Road to pay homage to Pirates skipper Holder who was crowned world champion following an epic conclusion to the Grand Prix series in Poland on Saturday.

However, although the Poole Coastal Aluminium faithful rose to greet Holder as he was paraded around the track, concerns were raised after Coventry’s Chris Harris fell as he made his way to the gate for the start of the first heat.

And fears the meeting could be in jeopardy intensified when Darcy Ward also nearly went to ground as he headed for the start line. Although curator John Hector and his staff worked tirelessly, referee Dave Robinson, following consultation with the riders, deemed the track unfit.

Speaking last night, Pirates promoter Ford said: “Although we have had an incredible amount of rain over the past week, we knew the forecast was better for today. John was here at 8am and dried out the track.

“The problem was that the clay had swollen so much that, when the guys went to ride it, it ripped off. The boys knew the track was grippy but, until they got on it, they didn’t know how grippy it was.

“We are very disappointed because we wanted to stage the meeting for Chris’s homecoming. This is the first time in my time here that we have been gripped off, for want of a better phrase, even though the track visibly seemed to be adequate.

“The fact of the matter is that there was far too much product, in particular clay-based product, on the track and we need to get some off because this is not a problem that is going to solve itself.”

Ford added: “I have a great deal of sympathy with our supporters and it is a dreadful shame because, again, they turned out in their numbers to see Chris’s homecoming. Rather than put any of the riders at risk or give the crowd a farce of a meeting, the referee deemed it was not fit to race.”

Spectators were offered immediate refunds at the turnstiles or entry to Pirates’ Knockout Cup semi-final against either Swindon or Peterborough later this month.

Tickets, however, cannot be used for next week’s Elite League grand final against the Robins.

Coventry star Harris told the Daily Echo: “None of us wanted to come all this way for the meeting to be called off. The track was too grippy, as you saw when I tried to turn for the first time. Fortunately, I was on my own and didn’t have three riders behind me.

“You just couldn’t get a skid on and you couldn’t break traction on the back wheel. If you can’t turn a bike, it is hard work. We are all disappointed. We all want to earn some money but we all want to go home safe and sound.”