Weather updates for tonight and the coming days
The weather is still causing fixtures to be called off but hopes are better for the big meetings coming up at the weekend like the Cesarewitch at Central Park.
Weather causes more losses but hopes still strong for the weekend
Central Park is still very hopeful of Saturday’s Arc Cesarewitch heats going ahead despite having to cancel Thursday afternoon’s meeting due to a frozen track, just hours after Sheffield also had to abandon the morning PGR fixture - with heavy rain adding to the problem this time.
Andrew Mascarenhas, director of racing at the Owlerton Stadium in South Yorkshire, explained: “We covered the track after Tuesday’s meeting and, as is usual procedure, the track was salted and a brine solution used.
“However, heavy rain up to Thursday followed by freezing temperatures just froze the sheets covering the track which resulted in unraceable conditions, especially between the first and second bends where the track was frozen.
“Despite the best efforts of track staff, the track was deemed unsafe for racing and the meeting cancelled.”
Central Park’s deputy racing manager Dan Rankin said the situation at Central Park was similar in terms of freezing temperatures with the meeting called off in the interests of safety.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the changeable situation regarding Storm Goretti was proving an issue.
“At the moment, the forecast for the area looks okay but the issue is the storm we have coming and any possible changes that may bring. The forecast seems to be constantly changing.”
Towcester’s afternoon meeting was delayed due to fog, while Monmore made an early call on his mixed open and graded meeting tonight.
A track spokesman said: “After monitoring the weather situation and government advice to maintain safety of all, including travelling trainers and customers, tonight’s meeting will be abandoned and moved to next Thursday.”
