The British horse racing programme faces a fresh challenge from the winter freeze this weekend, with two of Saturday's most valuable fixtures under serious threat from overnight frost. Officials at both Warwick and Kempton Park have called for precautionary inspections at 8am on Saturday morning to assess the state of the tracks after forecasts predicted sub-zero temperatures.
Cliffs of the Course Take Cautious Stance
Despite Kempton initially being declared fit for racing on Friday afternoon, a revised weather prediction forced a swift change of heart. Clerk of the course Barney Clifford explained the decision, stating the forecast now indicated a frost of -2C to -3C overnight. "It's prudent to call a precautionary inspection," Clifford said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the cold snap.
The situation is mirrored at Warwick, where clerk Nessie Chanter reported the course as "raceable at present." However, with a forecast of -2C frost between 4am and 8am, the decision was made to check conditions before giving the final go-ahead, putting the day's seven-race card in jeopardy.
Lanzarote Hurdle Headlines Threatened Kempton Card
The potential postponements put a spotlight on several key races, none more so than Kempton's feature, the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at 3.17pm. A competitive field of 17 runners is set to compete, with trainer Dan Skelton aiming for a remarkable hat-trick in the race. He saddles A Pai De Nom, a six-year-old seeking a fourth win this season but facing its toughest task yet.
Analysts suggest the race is wide open, with Lanesborough and French Ship among the leading contenders. However, the eye-catching selection at early prices is Fasol, trained by Paul Nicholls. The seven-year-old, often ridden by the trainer's daughter Olive Nicholls, arrives on the back of two consecutive victories and appears primed for a bold showing if the meeting survives the frost.
Key Tips for Saturday's Action
Should the inspections prove successful, racing fans can look forward to a packed day. Key tips from the original preview include:
- Warwick 1.15: A Great Excuse, carrying a useful 5lb claim from Jamie Brace, in a tight novice handicap chase.
- Kempton 1.30: Dan Skelton's Precious Man, who made an impressive stable debut at Cheltenham in November.
- Warwick 2.55: The Sara Bradstock-trained Mr Vango, a progressive stayer who relishes a marathon trip.
The cautious approach by officials underscores the significant impact of the current cold spell on winter sports scheduling. The decisions made at 8am will determine the fate of a crucial day in the National Hunt calendar, leaving trainers, jockeys, and punters alike awaiting the all-clear with bated breath.
