Pontefract faces morning inspection for Monday racing with rain threatening card

Pontefract will be given every chance to host racing on Monday with officials hoping the rain holds off prior to an inspection at the course at 7am.

The Yorkshire track passed a conditions check on Sunday morning after only 13mm of the forecast 25mm of rain fell, but further wet weather could put the card in jeopardy.

The going was described as heavy, soft in places on Sunday morning with a GoingStick reading of 5.5. Clerk of the course Richard Hammill clerk of the course, said: “We were forecast up to 25mm last night and had 13 which means we’re raceable, just. We can't take much more rain.

“We’re fine at the minute and the forecast is a little uncertain, so we thought it prudent to see where we were in the morning. We’re going to give it every chance as we want to race.”

Hammill conceded more rain could tip the balance against racing on Monday, and added: “There are some showers about this afternoon but they are hit and miss. If we did get 3-4mm today we could come back and check later this afternoon. Tomorrow there is a band of rain coming across but it looks like it may break up before reaching us.

“We’re potentially looking at dolling out an area of rail between the two furlong and three furlong markers to help if we need to as well.”

Racing is also scheduled to take place at Tipperary, Windsor, Newcastle and Stratford on Monday. There are no reported problems at any of those courses.

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