Health and safety has been blamed in a move against the scourge of "spread out rugs".

Grey Abbey will face seven rivals when he bids to repeat last year’s victory in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.

County Durham bookmakers Reuben Page are to back the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on November 26 under their new brand name of Pagebet.

Heavy rain has forced Newcastle racecourse to hold a precautionary inspection at 8am tomorrow ahead of their meeting on Friday afternoon.

Officials at Newcastle racecourse have been forced to abandon Monday's meeting, with the course covered in snow and little prospect of it clearing in time.