TODAY’S all-weather fixtures at Kempton and Lingfield are under threat with officials at both tracks set to stage 6.30am inspections.
Although Lingfield raced yesterday, the possibility of further frost and snow prompted clerk of the course Neil MacKenzie Ross to check again. It is a similar situation over at Kempton.
Lingfield and Southwell were left to fly the flag yesterday after Wolverhampton’s abandonment.
Although the Polytrack surface at Dunstall Park was not frozen, particles of compressed ice within the track proved a major stumbling block.
There appears to be little light at the end of the tunnel for National Hunt enthusiasts with two more of next week’s meetings already abandoned.
Last Sunday’s meeting at Plumpton was the last turf fixture to be held in Britain.
With Monday’s meetings at Ayr and Taunton already off, Tuesday’s action is heading the same way with Newcastle having made an early decision to abandon and Leicester checking at 3.30 today.
Newcastle’s clerk of the course James Armstrong said: ‘‘It’s still minus 6C.
We’re going to have to hope for a good thaw with a drying wind next week if we are to race on January 20.’’ The picture is no brighter on Wednesday with Kelso officials calling off their fixture and Doncaster’s clerk of the course David Williams pessimistic ahead of a 12pm inspection on Monday.
Catterick’s meeting on Thursday is subject to a 12 noon inspection on Monday.
There are eight inches of snow on the track and clerk of the course Fiona Needham admits a major improvement is needed.
Horse Racing Ireland officials have acted quickly to transfer tomorrow’s abandoned Leopardstown meeting to Saturday, January 23.
Leopardstown now stage a top-class weekend of NH racing, with the feature race on Saturday’s card being the MCR Hurdle and the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle taking centre stage on Sunday.
HRI have also confirmed that the card which was scheduled for Punchestown today has been switched to January 20.
The British Horseracing Authority have again stepped in to try to lessen the blow by adding further all-weather meetings next week.
Lingfield have been given an additional fixture on Thursday, January 14, while Southwell will now race the following day.
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