3 minute read

As winter weather continues to wreak havoc across Britain and Ireland, four major meeting for Thursday afternoon are in the balance.

Wincanton's meeting is set for 1.30pm but must pass a 7.30am inspection due to the threat of overnight snow. At Carlisle, a second inspection at 9am is needed as frost is forecast overnight. Southwell's all-weather fixture must also clear a 7.30am inspection, though officials are confident of going ahead.

In Ireland, a 7.30am inspection is scheduled at Thurles, with the track fit for racing but a nationwide yellow snow and ice warning from 3am causing concern. At Ayr, the two-day fixture beginning on Friday is in doubt due to predictions of heavier snow on Thursday night.

Leicester, meanwhile, is frozen in places for Friday's all-chase fixture yet is expected to thaw with temperatures set to rise after Wednesday night. Over at Sandown, 3cm of snow hit the track on Wednesday morning and there remains uncertainty over the forecast in the lead-up to Saturday's Imperial Cup fixture, with up to 15mm of rain expected before the raceday and a frost on Friday night when temperatures could drop to -2C.

Cheltenham is currently good to soft, good in places, with no snow on Tuesday night and 1mm of sleet falling on the track on Wednesday. Racing officials are working hard to ensure that these fixtures can still take place despite the winter conditions.