The Irish Horseracing Authority was yesterday accused of trying to run down and close Tipperary Racecourse.

Arthur Pierse, a director of the track, claimed their was a concerted effort to close Tipperary, denounced the lack of grant aid from the IHA and described the standard of racing as "disgraceful."

Noel Ryan, chief executive of the IHA, is reported to have said that no decision has yet been taken on the future of the racecourse.

Aidan O'Brien, who saddles Shahtoush for this afternoon's Vodafone Oaks at Epsom, warmed up for a busy weekend when he completed an opening race double at Tipperary via Bugatti Reef and Festival Song.

Christy Roche had little difficulty in landing the odds aboard the former in the opening EBF Maiden which came home two lengths clear at a very generous starting price of even money after drifting from an opening offer of 4 to 7.