DANNY Ford thanked fans for “their patience” on what proved to be “a tough night all round” off the track for Poole Pirates.

In just the second meeting of the season at Wimborne Road, there were two delays caused by equipment failure during the 49-40 win over Edinburgh Monarchs.

Firstly, the emergency red track lights failed after Sam Hagon fell in heat eight. After being unable to repair them, an alternative was needed in the interests of rider safety. Instead, the exclusion lights were used as well as red flags.

Then in heat 13, the use of the starting tapes was removed due to a fault, instead races started by the green track lights flashing on and off.

Promoter Ford said: “We would like to thank the fans for their support and especially their patience on what proved to be a tough night all round.

“I don't think I have ever known our track lights to fail as they did and I applaud the referee and the clerk of the course for working together to ensure that we could complete the meeting.

“I would like to assure all our patrons that we will be doing everything we possibly can to rectify these issues ahead of our meeting next week against Plymouth."