Lingfield off

Snow has forced the abandonment of today‘s all-weather meeting at Lingfield.

The Surrey venue failed a 6am inspection which had been called on Wednesday morning due to eight inches of snow on the course.

All-weather tracks have been keeping the racing industry going during the big freeze, but one thing that groundstaff cannot beat is substantial snowfall.

Lingfield are scheduled to race on Friday and Sunday.

Clerk of the course Neil MacKenzie Ross said: ``We`ve got a foot of snow here now. On grounds of safety, and particular access, we`ve had to abandon. The roads are treacherous around here.

“It‘s all hands to the pump to clear the snow, clear the track, and prepare for racing tomorrow.

“We might get a few more snow showers through the day, but it is due to be clear night and a clear day tomorrow, so we are working away to prepare for tomorrow.

“At the moment I would suggest we don‘t have to call an inspection for tomorrow‘s meeting. Obviously we will be monitoring the situation throughout the day, but I‘d be hopeful we shouldn‘t need to in view of the forecast and we should be able to get everything ready today.”