Musselburgh passes third inspection with racing pushed back by 28 minutes

Racing will go ahead at Musselburgh after passing a third inspection at midday.

The first race has been pushed back 28 minutes to 12.43 and all race times have been revised to come half an hour later.

Three inspections were required with temperatures dropping to -2C overnight but it reached 7C allowing the morning frost to melt.

Musselburgh's general manager Bill Farnsworth admitted it was the closest call he has experienced in his 20 years at the track. Inspections were held at 7am and 10am when the ground was described as soft, frozen in places.

He told Racing TV: "I'm very pleased. That's as close [a call] as I've ever known it in my 20 odd years here. It's probably about safe to go at 12.15pm but there's just the odd bit that's got a little bit of crustiness.

"It's a frost that's coming out from the top rather than the bottom but it's safe. We just thought we've got half an hour to spare this afternoon so why not use it. The temperature is nearly 8C now so it's improving every 15 minutes. Every minute helps.

"Everybody was unanimous, there was no hesitation, which was good, and we're all pleased with it."

Musselburgh revised schedule

12.43 Fitzdares Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
1.13 Fitzdares Maiden Hurdle
1.43 Fitzdares Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
2.13 Fitzdares Handicap Chase
2.43 Fitzdares Handicap Hurdle
3.13 Fitzdares New Year Handicap Chase
3.43 Fitzdares Open National Hunt Flat Race

Musselburgh's Tuesday card

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