More horse race meetings lost to the elements

The meeting at Ayr was abandoned in the early morning, after temperatures fell to as low as minus 7C overnight, not being expected to be above freezing until 10am.

Officials at Wolverhampton were on alert when calling a check of conditions with a 10am precautionary inspection, and while the course was reported to be "virtually clear" of snow at the time, clerk of the course Fergus Cameron later said: "It's hugely disappointing. We worked the track overnight and it responded really well, but unfortunately some of the equine associated areas around the track are unsafe.

"Everyone has worked really hard. We've had representatives from Hereford and Uttoxeter helping us clear snow and obviously eight inches across the track takes a lot of clearing.

"We managed that well, but temperatures dipped to minus 8C overnight and it was still minus 3C at the time of the inspection."

Those concerned in race planning moved quickly to reschedule the Wolverhampton fixture for Wednesday.

The card planned for Hexham on Wednesday was also called off on Tuesday, with clerk of the course James Armstrong tweeting: "5th hard frost on the bounce (-3c last night) @HexhamRaces & sadly Racing on Weds has been abandoned due to a frozen track & insufficient time for a decent thaw."

Leicester joined Hexham in abandoning racing on Wednesday, with temperatures of minus 8C recorded overnight.

Newcastle plays host to a jumps fixture on Thursday, and although frozen in places, a milder forecast offers hope and an inspection will take place at 8am on raceday morning.