Ascot main casualty as cold snap bites

ASCOT’S big double-header of racing has been snowed off as the recent cold snap hit the racing schedule.

Friday’s meeting was abandoned early in the morning, while Saturday’s valuable card, due to feature the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle, was called off at 9.30am.

Yesterday’s racing at Uttoxeter and Downpatrick survived early-morning inspections, but Saturday’s National Hunt card Newcastle has already fallen by the wayside and Haydock will inspect at 8am.