FREEZE THREATENS ASCOT
BAD weather threatens to wipe out the major UK National Hunt meetings at the weekend.
Ascot and Haydock are in the balance as the cold snap continues to wreak havoc on the fixture list.
Yesterday Lingfield officials called off Friday’s races at the planned three-day Winter Million festival.
The £110,000 Sovereign Handicap Hurdle and the £50,000 Class 2 Handicap Chase will be saved and added to Sunday’s card.
Conflicting predictions for Ascot prevail ahead of Saturday’s headline LK Bennett Clarence House Chase.
Energumene, odds on to retain his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in March, is being readied for a clash with last season’s star novice Edwardstone.
“It’s in the lap of the gods,” said clerk of the course Chris Stickels.
“Some forecasts say we will get 1C, others mention -5C. The track is frozen in places after -6C overnight.
“We are concerned about the low temperatures.”
Haydock is “50-50” to stage its programme led by the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase, according to clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright.
“We are forecast -1C on Friday night so if we are not carrying frost over, we might scramble through.” he said.
Taunton’s turf is frozen in places with the Portman Cup on Saturday’s schedule, however temperatures are expected to rise later in the week.
Today’s action at Plumpton has to pass an 8.30am inspection to go ahead, after Newbury was scrapped at an earlier stage.
On Thursday, all of the action over jumps could be lost, with officials at Ludlow, Newcastle and Wincanton due to carry out checks.
Willie Mullins’ Gaelic Warrior is just 2-1 with William Hill for the Betfair Hurdle on February 11 after his 15-length romp at Clonmel yesterday.