Frost plays havoc with race fixtures

Southwell flies the flag for racing today after the current cold snap forced both Sedgefield and Market Rasen to abandon.

Although temperatures dropped below freezing overnight at the all-weather venue, officials report no problems ahead of their meeting which begins at 1.40pm.

However, it was not such good news at the two National Hunt tracks with Market Rasen forced to call off their meeting before the planned 8am inspection.

Acting clerk of the course Andrew Morris said: “We have abandoned this afternoon’s meeting.

“It got down to minus four and it was still minus two at 7.30am. Daytime temperatures are not forecast to be that high and the frost has got into the ground.”

Sedgefield’s clerk of the course Charlie Moore initially delayed their planned 7.30am check to 9am in order to give the meeting every chance.

Despite covering the entire track overnight, Moore was forced to admit defeat as he was not happy with conditions after an inspection.

“At 8.45am, it was still minus three and the forecasters are telling us we won’t get above freezing until sometime between 10am and 11am,” Moore explained.

“Despite putting down two miles of fleece, the frost has got under it in one or two places and the temperatures aren’t going to rise in time and we can’t get the fleece off in time to make racing safe.

“It’s gutting for the groundstaff who worked so hard last night covering the track.”

The prospects for tomorrow’s action is not looking too bright either, with both Carlisle and Ludlow inspecting at 8am, although the latter track have only called a precautionary look.

Carlisle is currently partly frozen and clerk of the course Jonnie Fenwicke-Clennell is expecting another cold night.

He said: “We are forecast as low as minus nine but minus five to minus seven seems to be the general consensus. The course is partly frozen and temperatures are only due to be plus three or four today.”

Ludlow’s clerk of the course Bob Davies is a little more hopeful, although he is anticipating temperatures of at least minus two overnight.

“We are expecting temperatures to drop below freezing with forecasts for anywhere between minus two and minus five,” said Davies.

“We are not sure how low it’s going to go, if it’s minus two or three we would be hopeful of racing but obviously minus five would be more problematic. We have got the take-offs and landings covered but we will have to see what happens.”