Freezing temperatures are continuing to cause problems for National Hunt racing ahead of one of the most crucial weekends of the season so far.
The cold snap set in during the middle of last week and had already claimed a number of meetings, with snow that fell during Saturday worsening matters.
Everyone involved with the sport will be praying for a break in the weather ahead of Newbury’s ‘Super Saturday’ meeting, which is set to showcase the talents of the likes of Long Run and Sprinter Sacre.
Newbury clerk of the course Richard Osgood said: “There is an east-west divide in the forecast but I don’t think it will be as cold as it was last week. But that changes from day to day.”
With forecasts suggesting there are more frosty nights in store, Monday’s fixture at Ayr could prove to be the final jumps card to be run for a few days.
All-weather fare at Southwell and Wolverhampton makes up Tuesday’s program after both Market Rasen and Sedgefield were abandoned early.
Frost and snow at Market Rasen left officials with little option but to draw stumps.
Pip Kirkby, managing director at the track, said: “We are under snow, the track is frozen underneath and there is no sign of improvement.”
Lingfield’s meeting on Wednesday has already fallen by the wayside, with clerk of the course Neil Mackenzie Ross not expecting enough improvement between now and then.
“The course is still under snow and it is frozen underneath,” he said on Monday.
“Temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing again tonight, with an even harsher frost coming Tuesday night, with temperatures possibly getting down to minus 7C.
“It will barely get above freezing on Wednesday, so we have no chance of racing and we’ve made an early decision.”
PA AAP TURF
