ROOKIE racehorse Evening Press has had to put her debut on hold because of racing technicalities, writes Peter Martini.

The filly - leased by readers of the Evening Press off Norton-based trainer Tim Etherington - now looks set to run at Newcastle on September 10 having been prevented from taking her bow tomorrow at Catterick and at York on Sunday.

As reported, the two-year-old had been entered in the 2.15 five-furlong median auction maiden race at Catterick tomorrow, but she had to be withdrawn because of ineligibility due to her breeding status.

The 'people's horse' was then entered for the 4.50 six-furlong Smiths Brothers Maiden Auction at the 'people's day' meeting at York, but a similar technicality has forced a second withdrawl.

"There is nothing wrong with her but rules on the breeding means she is not allowed to run in the race," said a disappointed Etherington."It's a long, complicated matter. It was something we did not know and is a real nuisance, but there you go.

"I am happy with her physically and she seems good within herself," added Etherington, who had been fine-tuning Evening Press this week, including giving her more sessions in the starting stalls.

Meanwhile, this weekend's meeting on Knavesmire is only the second Sunday meet in the history of York Racecourse, the first being the hugely successful event last year, which was also sponsored by the Evening Press.

More than 22,000 people flocked to the course last year for the Evening Press Raceday and a similarly massive crowd is expected on Sunday when there will be many attractions. Gates open at 11.30am.

Updated: 14:18 Tuesday, August 28, 2001