Southwell set for inspection

Following the loss of Stratford and Carlisle, today's racing in Britain hinges on an early-morning inspection at Southwell.

Stratford was called off on Tuesday due to waterlogging and Carlisle fell to frost at a noon inspection yesterday. An adverse forecast has led to the Southwell inspection and clerk of the course Michael Prosser said: "Further frost is forecast and we will have a precautionary inspection at 7.30 in the morning.

"The forecast varies from between -1C to -4C, but there is also a forecast of warmer weather coming from the west. If that arrives early enough we should be okay - if it doesn't we could be in trouble."

Johnnie Fenwicke-Clennell, clerk of the course at Carlisle, explained the abandonment of the Cumbrian fixture.

He said: "The course is absolutely solid in places. It is not even thawing in the sunshine and another frost is forecast for tonight."

Catterick's meeting scheduled tomorrow depends on the arrival of the mild weather. Clerk of the course John Gundill said: "At the moment we are frozen. It got down to -4C on Monday and again on Tuesday night.

"It all depends how quickly the warmer weather arrives and how warm it is. It is too early to call an inspection. We'll give it as long as possible to get the frost out of the ground."

Tomorrow's other fixtures, at Cheltenham, Warwick and Fontwell, report no problems.

David McHarg, clerk of the course at Fontwell, said: "I've just walked round and it is good to soft - nearly perfect. Milder weather is forecast."