Ludlow cancels its meeting on Thursday following second inspection held half an hour after racing was due to start

Ludlow's meeting on Thursday has been cancelled after the track failed an inspection which took place half an hour after the time of the scheduled first race.

The fixture passed a 7am inspection but there were still concerns about frost in parts of the track approaching the first race at 12.40pm.

Initially, a decision was made to delay the start of racing by 35 minutes to allow the chance for the ground to thaw out properly. However, an official inspection took place after several jockeys expressed concerns about the conditions and a decision was made to cancel.

Speaking to Racing TV, chief steward Thomas Evetts said: "The stewards panel chair and clerk of the course were happy two hours before the first race, but felt an extra half-hour would help the frost that was left in the ground to come out.

"As we got closer to the first race, we went in and spoke to the riders and trainers for their views and it became apparent they weren't as happy with the track and temperatures hadn't improved to the level we thought they would.

"It's unfortunate we've had to call a late inspection and we've gone out to look at the problem area with jockey David Bass, who's the Professional Jockeys' Association safety officer for the area, Jonjo O'Neill Jr and Tom Bellamy, plus trainers and the racecourse. It became apparent there's still a little bit of frost in the ground and too much risk in continuing."

Temperatures at Ludlow were forecast to get up to 6C, but lingered around 3-4C with clear skies.

"The forecast the racecourse was expecting hasn't materialised and that's caused the issue sadly," said Evetts.

"Welfare, both human and equine, is first and foremost and the more we heard from the trainers and riders, the more it became apparent they weren't happy."

Ludlow racecourse posted a message on X, which read: "After the further inspection, we are very sorry to abandon today's fixture. After being passed by the stewards, the jockeys claimed they were concerned about small areas of frozen ground.

"In order to receive a refund racegoers will need to email accounts@ludlowracecourse.co.uk. A refund will be processed in the next 28 days.

"Of course, we are extremely sorry to disappoint you all. Please do contact us if you have any more queries."

There was a 30-minute delay to racing at Newcastle on Thursday after an inspection took place before racing following concerns over an area entering the back straight. The stewards were happy to allow racing to start.

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