Racing at Plumpton today has been cancelled due to frost. Freezing temperatures at the course had led to part of the track being frozen at an inspection at 8:30 am this morning when the decision was made to postpone racing.
Marcus Waters, clerk to the course, said: “I walked the course at 6am and was quite hopeful at that time. It had been -2C from 8pm last night all the way through the evening and when we went out for 8am, we felt it had gotten a little bit worse.
“We felt there wasn’t quite enough time for significant improvement, it was just getting a bit tight with temperatures not rising until 12.
“It’s frustrating and it was proper touch and go, but we had to be fair to the participants and let them know earlier rather than later,”
The course was due to host six races; Bet Goodwin Novices’ Hurdle, Buy The Plumpton History Book Now Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase, Bet Goodwin Maiden Hurdle. Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Veterans’ Handicap Chase, Strong Flavours Catering Handicap Hurdle and the Visit attheraces.com Handicap Hurdle.
Ludlow’s racing tomorrow has also been cancelled as, like Plumpton, the course was frozen in places. Although the forecast is for temperatures to rise, it is expected to drop well below zero overnight.
Ludlow’s clerk to the course, Simon Sherwood, said: “Our problem was the -4C forecast tonight with freezing temperatures until about 11 am tomorrow – that would have totally scuppered us,”
“We had to think of the bigger picture with regards to cancelling and those involved. I feel sorry for the trainers, as they’re not getting a consistent chance with their horses.” said Sherwood.
There was better news from Wolverhampton after the track passed a second inspection today at 11:30 am. Officials had initially feared the worst after almost an inch of snow fell overnight. However, the course had a first inspection at 9:30 am, and the snow had already started to clear. There is a six-race card there today, including the Spreadex Sports Best Premier League Odds Handicap at 14:40 featuring 11 runners.
There is also a growing belief that the racing fixture on Thursday at Wincanton will go ahead. The clerk to the course, Daniel Cooper said today at midday: “There is a thaw under way and we are seeing improvement.
“If the ground has thawed out by this afternoon, then hopefully we have a chance as some forecasts give us cause for optimism overnight, whereas another forecast suggests it could be bad.”
Only Fairyhouse in Ireland is scheduled for racing tomorrow, but this is in doubt, with some parts of the track still frozen. An inspection is due there today at 3 pm.
Brendan Sheridan, Fairyhouse’s clerk to the course, said: “As was the case yesterday morning, we have had an overnight frost at Fairyhouse. The ground remains heavy, but parts of the track are still unfit for racing due to the frost.
“There is no significant rise in temperatures forecast today, and therefore we will have an inspection this afternoon at 3 pm to determine the prospects of racing going ahead. A further update will be issued following the inspection.”
Also subject to an inspection is Market Rasen. The course, which is due to host the Swinbank mares’ bumper, will be assessed Thursday at lunchtime.
There are also doubts about the weekend’s racing at Ascot, with the Clarence House Chase card at risk. With temperatures dropping to -6C overnight and daytime temperatures not expected to rise above 4C, the clerk to the course Chris Stickels, said the weather “presents challenges”.
Stickels said, “The forecast has changed. Originally it had looked to be getting milder by the weekend, but now it indicates colder temperatures on Saturday morning, which presents challenges.”
