Further snow in Scotland and the north could put schedules at risk

Parts of Scotland and northern England were bracing themselves for further snow on Wednesday night and Thursday, threatening further disruption to racing schedules.

A 3pm inspection has been called at Musselburgh on Thursday, for Friday's meeting, while Saturday's fixture at Haydock could hinge on whether it gets snow or just sleet.

In southern Scotland mountain rescue teams were called out after heavy snowfall left drivers stranded on the M74 for 11 hours. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for further snow.

Trainer Lucinda Russell, who trains at Kinross on Tayside, said: "We had snow last night and are due even more tonight. It's not frozen – it would make it tough for us if it did. It was enough to be over our wellies at one yard but we've been cantering on it.

"We sent two runners to Market Rasen and they were lucky to miss out on the terrible disruption on the M74. They're coming back up the A1 so hopefully will get back.

"We've runners at Ascot on Saturday and I think they'll be leaving on Thursday to make sure they get there in time."

Musselburgh was covered by an inch of snow on Wednesday morning but conditions had improved by the afternoon.

"The snow has just about melted," said clerk of the course Harriet Graham.

"We're on the very northern edge of the storm that's coming in. We might get 2-3cm but it might be sleet or rain. We're not frozen. If it's raceable in the morning we'll probably cancel the inspection."

Harriet Graham: clerk of the course at MusselburghCredit: JOHN GROSSICK (racingpost.com/photos)

Haydock clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright reported: "We're hopeful of racing if the forecast is accurate. The risk is as much snow as temperatures.

"The risk of snow is at its worst through to tomorrow evening. If we survive that we reckon we'll be in business."

Groundstaff at Ascot are set to cover the most vulnerable areas of the course ahead of a drop in temperatures, but clerk of the course Chris Stickels was optimistic.

"It's going to get a bit colder but I don't see wintry showers being an issue," he said. "We may get a flurry but nothing too serious. Frost-wise we're forecast -1C."

The Fairyhouse meeting lost to snow on Wednesday has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, February 14. Fresh entries will close on February 8.

Chelmsford, meanwhile, will host an additional all-weather fixture on Sunday. Entries will close on Thursday at midday, with declarations at the 48-hour stage as normal on Friday.

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