Racecourses prepare for freezing temperatures next week as concerns rise over imminent cold snap

Despite the freezing temperatures forecasted for Britain and Ireland this week, Monday’s jumps fixtures went ahead as scheduled. Hereford passed an early morning inspection and confirmed that the ground was in good condition, with temperatures just above freezing. There were no concerns about freezing or snow, and the skies were clear.

Punchestown, which had a fixture on Sunday, also received a passing grade for racing on Monday. The course was deemed fit for racing, although there was a grass frost. However, Met Eireann predicted that temperatures would rise during the day with some sunny spells.

Looking ahead, Tuesday’s jumps meetings at Chepstow and Plumpton depend on morning inspections. The course clerks will evaluate the conditions overnight, considering the expected colder temperatures and potential frost. The current situation is hopeful, with no problems reported under the protective sheets and frost melting in areas where it had formed in the morning.

Nevertheless, there is still uncertainty due to the anticipated lower temperatures overnight. The potential lows of -5C are reminiscent of last year’s weather, which resulted in the cancellation of the final day of the meeting. The course clerks acknowledge that luck will play a role in determining whether the meetings can proceed.

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