The Racing Integrity Unit has stood behind its decision to abandon last month's Wingatui meeting due to safety concerns.
That is despite the fact a turf expert has endorsed the state of the track following the abandonment of the Otago Racing Club's October 25 race day.
The meeting was called off by stewards after a track inspection prompted by a horse slipping in the first event on the programme.
''An inspection of the track at that point confirmed to the inspection team that it [the track] was not safe for racing on the day,'' Racing Integrity Unit general manager Mike Godber said.
''Other riders did report that their horses had moved in that area.''
Light rain which had fallen on the track in the morning before the meeting was believed to be the cause of the slipping.
The meeting was abandoned on safety grounds following a meeting of jockeys, trainers and club officials.
Turf expert Jim Murphy inspected and analysed the track the day after the meeting.
In a report for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Murphy found ''no obvious cause for a horse to slip galloping round the top bend''.
The report focuses on four sets of hook markings at the point where Sir Ed was observed to slip as he rounded the corner past the winning post.
The area near two normal hoof imprints was extensively tested against two hoof marks that were believed to be made after a horse had slipped.
Murphy conducted soil tests and penetrometer readings to compare the soil in the two areas.
It was concluded soils below the surface were drier or harder than he expected and the Wingatui track conditions appeared to be close to the ideal that would suit all horses.
The report also suggests that Sir Ed's galloping action was the likely cause of his slipping, rather than the state of the track. The horse was seen to be over-racing and had thrown his head before slipping.
Murphy concluded that the shape of the hoof impression in the area which was believed to be where Sir Ed slipped suggested ''a faulty leg action may have contributed to the traction failure that resulted in a slip''.
However, the Racing Integrity Unit stands by its decision to call off the meeting. After meeting with jockeys, trainers and club officials, stewards had no option but to abandon the meeting.
''On the day, the unanimous view of the parties was that the track was unsafe to continue to race on,'' Godber said.
''In the end there are times where the practical experience of those at the coalface will differ from the scientists, who it must be remembered were not there on the day.''
