Saturday’s race meetings at Newcastle, Lingfield and Chelmsford must pass morning inspections after weather chaos

ALL three of Saturday's race meetings will have to pass 8am inspections.

With Kelso, Doncaster, Newbury and Navan all abandoned already, the all-weather meetings at Newcastle, Lingfield and Chelmsford are all in doubt.

Paul Baker, Clerk of the Course at Newcastle, said: "We've had very high winds this afternoon which has caused a bit of snow drifting on to the track.

"It's similar to the issue we had the other day for the Flat fixture. We are just trying to formulate a plan to doll the area out. Hopefully we should be fine for tomorrow.

"We've got some nice horses coming, it will be good for the north to get some racing back on and good for the punters as well to see some competitive racing.

"It's just the weather is challenging us somewhat at the moment. Hopefully by 8am when the course inspectors come and have a look we'll be fine."

Chelmsford will also inspect at 8am ahead of Saturday's evening meeting.

Friday's card was called off on Thursday, but Clerk of the Course Andy Waitt is more hopeful for Saturday's action.

He said: "We've had no snow so far today, but looking at the images, it will reach us this afternoon and snow intermittently until about 11pm, but it is only supposed to be light snow.

"The temperature is due to rise so if we only have that to clear, we'll be in a better position to make a decision at 8am.

"Surrounding areas are fine, local roads are all clear, we're pretty much on top of the site but we couldn't make the decision now because of the forecast we've got.

"My overriding concern is health and safety."

Heavy snow claimed Sunday's card at Sedgefield following a 7am inspection on Friday, while Huntingdon was abandoned an hour later due to a frozen track.

The next scheduled National Hunt fixtures are at Lingfield and Southwell on Monday.