Leopardstown on weather watch

Leopardstown’s meeting on Sunday, featuring the MCR Hurdle, is under threat due to adverse weather.

Conditions here are not quite as severe as in England but the showcase contest, formerly run as the Pierse Hurdle, is in jeopardy along with the rest of the card.

“It’s been a very cold morning here. We had a light dusting of snow again last night and quite a severe frost,” said Leopardstown general manager Tom Burke.

“At the moment the course is not raceable. It had improved a bit over the weekend but last night’s frost put as back a bit.

“Our nightime temperature is going down to minus two or minus three, and daytime getting up to two or three at best.

“Unfortunately the forecast going forward is not great, this is supposed to continue well into next week.

“At the moment we are monitoring on a daily basis and taking it from there, as such.”

Punchestown’s meeting on Saturday is also in doubt. The course is unfit for racing because of snow.