Big freeze continues to wreck racing programme

RACING: This afternoon's National Hunt meeting at Sedgefield has been abandoned due to a frozen track. An 8am inspection was called after an initial look yesterday morning proved inconclusive.

An 8.0am inspection was called after an initial look yesterday morning proved inconclusive.

However, despite the application of frost sheets, another night of sub-zero temperatures left clerk of the course Charlie Moore with no choice.

"We're off, it got down to minus six at 6am, it has even got in under the sheets," said Moore.

"If we were forecast five degrees for later in the day we might have a chance but we are not.

"We brought forward the inspection so as not to prolong the agony any longer."

Tomorrow's Fontwell and Musselburgh meetings have also been abandoned due to frozen tracks.

Meanwhile, the two steeplechase races planned for Thursday's meeting at Thurles have been cancelled after the course was found to be unfit at an inspection this morning.

The Turf Club announced that one of the other five remaining races will be divided to form a six-race card.

A further course inspection will take place at 9.0am on Thursday morning to see if racing can take place.