Wolverhampton finally called off
Racing at Wolverhampton had to bow to the elements as deteriorating conditions at Dunstall Park forced the abandonment of this afternoon's all-weather fixture after the running of four races.
Temperatures of minus 9C were recorded at 5am this morning, and snow started to settle before a precautionary inspection was called for 1.35pm, with the first race due off 30 minutes later. A decision was taken that racing would go ahead, although the situation would continue to be monitored.
The track was worked throughout, but the snow continued to come and with a bleak forecast for the remainder of the afternoon, stumps were drawn after a deputation of officials checked the track before the fifth of seven scheduled races.
Clerk of the course Fergus Cameron said: "Conditions were checked prior to the start of racing, but the snow not only continued, it started to increase in volume as well, and that saw a deterioration as the meeting progressed.
"Following the fourth race the decision was taken to hold a further inspection and following evidence by jockeys, trainers and vets the decision was taken to abandon in the interests of safety."
Wolverhampton are due to race again on Monday and Cameron said: "This snow is quite heavy but it is expected to ease into the evening and it is due to stay above freezing."
Ffos Las clerk of the course Tim Long admitted to being "devastated" after being forced to abandon Saturday's high-profile fixture due to a frozen track.
The Carmarthenshire venue was due to stage its biggest meeting of the National Hunt calendar, with Oscar Whisky, who runs in the colours of Ffos Las owner Dai Walters, set to defend his crown in the William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle.
But after consecutive nights of freezing temperatures, Long had little option but to call off the card, and although initial talks about rescheduling for Sunday did take place, that idea was scrapped.
Long said: "We did look into running the meeting on Sunday but logistically, it just isn't going to be possible. There are various reasons and we just aren't able to put a team together at this late stage. We're absolutely devastated as everyone has worked incredibly hard to try to get racing on."
4 February 2012
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