Don't despair - there's still plenty of action to enjoy on Friday

Racing in Britain may have been brought to a standstill by the equine influenza outbreak but the show goes on elsewhere. With racing fans forced to look further afield for punting opportunities, here are a few suggestions

All-weather action at Dundalk

Ireland's only all-weather track hosts an eight-race card on Friday, offering its usual combination of competitive handicaps and familiar names. Racing at Dundalk always presents a challenging proposition for punters and this offering is no different.

On a card which is headlined by a conditions event over two miles, it is worth watching out for Dundalk veteran Reckless Lad, who makes his 49th start at the venue (5.00), and for brothers Joseph and Donnacha O'Brien, who join forces with Colfer Me in the three-year-old contest (6.00).

The evening should provide the perfect antidote for those craving some racing action.

A trip to the desert

For those who fancy a morning punt, there are seven races from Jebel Ali's dirt track, forming a valuable mid-week card of handicaps and conditions events that kicks off at 10am GMT.

The combination of an uphill finish, a slicker dirt surface and being right-handed means the smaller of Dubai's courses presents a completely different challenge to the better-know Meydan.

As such, it has a tendency to cater to track specialists somewhat and form from other courses can normally be rendered obsolete.

Those unfamiliar with the track will find solace in familiar names such as Jim Crowley, Connor Beasley and Dane O'Neill – all of whom are plying their trade in the UAE this winter.

More global action

For those journeying to their local betting shops, there is yet more international racing action to enjoy. The following meetings all present punting opportunities:

• Kranji (Singapore)
• Mont De Marsan (France)
• Club Hipico (Chile)
• Aqueduct (US)
• Gulfstream Park (US)
• Tampa Bay Downs (US)
• Laurel Park (US)

Follow the dogs

In Britain, the only track-based action to enjoy comes courtesy of the greyhounds.

Cards from Nottingham and Romford are the headline acts of the 12 on offer and can be viewed in betting shops, online and on Racing Post Greyhounds TV (Sky channel 431 (Front runner) + Freesat channel 250).

The 12-race card at Romford features eight open-race contests and there will be plenty of interest in the reappearance of Kilmore Lemon in the finale at 9.26.

Patrick Janssens' ace, who proved himself at the highest level in both sprints and sharp four-bend competitions last season, goes over the 400m course with one eye on the forthcoming Category One Coral Golden Sprint over that trip at the Essex track.

Janssens can also be on the mark with his classy Barricane Carina (8.38) over the 575m course.

A wealth of sports action

In the Championship, a clash between Aston Villa and Sheffield United could have major playoff ramifications for both sides, while there is also action from La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Aston Villa's Jack GrealishCredit: Catherine Ivill

Elsewhere, there is international Twenty20 action between New Zealand and India and the famous Pebble Beach Pro-Am enters its second day.

Did you know you can bet with multiple bookmakers on the Racing Post website and app? Here’s how:

1. Sync your existing betting accounts to Racing Post – secure one-time log in
2. Tap the racecard odds button to add horses to betslip
3. View bookmakers Best Odds Guaranteed prices & promotions
4. Place your bet and watch the race live on Racing Post.