Carlisle cancels Monday card as Taunton faces morning inspection

Carlisle’s card on Monday became the latest to be cancelled after the Cumbria course failed an inspection on Sunday morning due to frozen ground.

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: “We had a succession of nights at minus six or thereabouts.

"It’s well into the ground and, while a thaw is forecast, there is no sign of it starting now and in any event we’d need more time than is available for racing tomorrow, so it’s a lost cause."

Taunton, which is set to host Monday's only remaining jumps meeting, has scheduled an inspection for 7.30am on raceday. The course has a covering of snow but a thaw is expected.

Angus Crichton-Miller service

A celebration for the life of former Racecourse Association chairman Angus Crichton-Miller, who died last month, will be held in the main hall of the Edinburgh Academy, Henderson Row, EH3 5BL from 1pm on Saturday, March 2.

Food and drink will be served afterwards at the school, and anyone who knew Crichton-Miller is invited to attend.

'Indian Frankel' third in Derby

Sir Cecil, named after the legendary late Newmarket trainer and known as the 'Indian Frankel', was beaten into third in the Derby at Mumbai on Sunday.

The race was won by Star Superior, ahead of Adjudicate, who coincidentally is trained by James McKeown, son of Lady Cecil and stepson of the late Sir Henry Cecil.

Paddy Power acquires majority share in Georgian market leader Adjarabet

Paddy Power have announced their acquisition of Georgian online market leader Adjarabet with a 51 per cent controlling stake.

Adjarabet, which operates a full suite of online betting and gaming products in Georgia that includes casino, sports and poker, generated revenues of 215m Georgian Lari (GEL) (£64m) and EBITDA of GEL68m (£20m) in 2018.

Paddy Power have announced their acquisition of Georgian online market leader AdjarabetCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Chief executive Peter Jackson said: “This bolt-on acquisition is in line with our strategy of establishing podium positions in attractive online markets.

"Adjarabet’s leading brand presence and strong management team has established it as the clear number one in the fast-growing, regulated online Georgian market.

"Together with our group’s technology and sports capabilities, we're confident that Adjarabet will be strongly positioned to continue to build on this success”.

Chelmsford to host extra fixture on Monday

The BHA have announced that an additional fixture will be held at Chelmsford on Monday due to the continuing snow and cold weather.

Entries for the six-race fixture will close on Saturday at midday with declarations on Sunday by 10am. The deadline for jockey bookings for all races on Monday will be delayed until 1pm on Sunday.

Down among candidates for British Sports Journalism Awards

The Racing Post's Alastair Down is one of seven shortlisted candidates for the British Sports Journalism Awards' Specialist Correspondent award of the year.

The awards, which are held in partnership with Canon and European Professional Club Rugby, were revealed on Friday and the winning candidates of each award will be announced at a gala at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza on February 25.

Nominated in the broadcasting section is ITV's coverage of Gold Cup day at Royal Ascot, while the Ed Chamberlin-Francesca Cumani pairing take on the likes of Gary Lineker and Mark Pougatch in the presenter category.

Leger Legends to be named after Arlington Million winner Mondialiste

The tenth running of the Leger Legends race at Doncaster in September will be sponsored by Elwick Stud and named after Arlington Million-winning sire Mondialiste.

The race, won last year by Ted Durcan and Central City when sponsored by Clipper Logistics, raises funds for Jack Berry House and Northern Racing College.

Geoff Turnbull, who runs Elwick Stud alongside his wife Sandra, said: "It's fitting to name the race after Mondialiste as he first carried our colours at Doncaster."

Racing a world-class day out

VisitEngland has described racing in Britain as a world-class day out following the results of the RCA Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme for 2018.

All British racecourses were rated good or better when visited by a trained assessor, who objectively analysed the raceday experience. The average score across the tracks was 83 per cent – the highest on record for the scheme which has been in operation since 2011.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: "Our research shows that people want to visit our globally renowned racecourses with their historical pedigree and atmospheric race-day experience. The RCA excellence accolades reinforce what people already know – that a day at the races in England and Wales is a world-class day out."

The five Scottish tracks performed particularly well, with Hamilton joining Ayr and Musselburgh in achieving a five-star rating.

Riddell Graham, director of industry and destination development at VisitScotland, said: "I'm delighted that these racecourses rated so highly in terms of the information they provided to racegoers and at every point where they came in contact with racecourse staff, as this assures our visitors of a total high-quality experience."

The top 11 courses in England and Wales – listed in alphabetical order – were: Aintree, Ascot, Beverley, Cheltenham, Chester, Newbury, Newmarket (July), Ripon, Uttoxeter, Wincanton and York.

Racing Post photographer Edward Whitaker shortlisted for SJA awards

Widely acclaimed Racing Post photographer Edward Whitaker has been named in the shortlist for two categories at the British Sports Journalism awards.

Whitaker, whose new book A Year In The Frame is available to buy here, won photographer of the year at the Horserace Writers and Photographers Awards for a record eighth time last year and has reached the final six for specialist sports portfolio and the 'away-from-the-action' award.

The Post's longtime snapper, who also landed picture of the year for the first time at last year's HWPA, is in the reckoning for the Ed Lacey Trophy for Canon sports photographer of the year.

Edward Whitaker's stunning picture of the super blue blood moon at LambournCredit: Edward Whitaker

The main award is given to the overall best photographer of 2018 judged on entries into the five overall categories.

Chairman of judges David Ofield, said: "The standard of entries has been higher than ever, making it quite a challenge."

Winners will be revealed at a ceremony at Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel on February 25.

A Year In The Frame, Edward Whitaker's brilliant new picture book, is out now (RRP £30).