Thaw may well bring problems

RACING: LEOPARDSTOWN authorities are hoping a thaw will come to their rescue and allow a chance of racing on Tuesday, but that same thaw could yet produce a new set of problems for the beleaguered track. Monday's meeting was called off yesterday due to snowfall that dumped almost a foot of snow on the course.

That could really make itself felt after an expected St Stephen’s Day thaw which could bring waterlogging problems.

“That’s just something we will have to deal with if it happens,” Leopardstown manager Tom Burke said. “It’s a difficult one to call at this remove.

“We are being told we should get a thaw by the middle of the 26th with rain coming, and a rise in temperatures. If we get that in the second half of the 26th, through the 27th and into the 28th, then we might have a chance on Tuesday.”

Yesterday’s cancellation means a contingency plan which puts the €190,000 Paddy Power Chase, and two other Grade One events, onto the original Wednesday programme is now likely if Leopardstown passes an inspection which is now due on Monday morning.

However, bookmakers were yesterday betting 1 to 2 about no racing at the venue on Tuesday.

Limerick will hold an 8.30am inspection on Sunday to see if they can race on Monday, but course manager Russell Ferris rated their chances at “60-40”.

“The forecast is for a little bit cooler temperatures on Christmas Day than we previously thought,” he said. “In terms of a decision we will leave a call until the 26th. I would say we’re 60-40 for the 27th.”