'The guys have done an amazing job' - Newmarket suffers coldest night in years

Newmarket experienced its coldest night for many years on Monday when temperatures dropped to -10.5C but Jockey Club Estates met the challenge head on, much to the appreciation of the local training fraternity.

Simon Pearce, on a hot run of form with four of his last five runners having won, was battling the cold with many other handlers on Tuesday morning when it was still -4C at 8am.

Pearce, who trains at Wroughton House Stables at the foot of Warren Hill, said: "Paying Heath fees is a bit like having a gym membership – initially you say it's expensive but when it's like this you know you're getting your money's worth.

"I came in to feed our horses at 5am and the boys were on the tractors harrowing the two Polytracks even then. Fair play to them as if you stop when it's this cold the surface balls up."

Simon Pearce keeps warm in his office on Tuesday morning

Pearce had successive doubles at Chelmsford and Southwell last week and is looking to extend his winning sequence when Full Intention heads to Kempton on Wednesday night.

He said: "Full Intention was able to exercise as normal and the rest of the team were able to access Side Hill Polytrack as well as the walking grounds, which had been well gritted.

"I haven't known it be this cold for about five years and I can barely remember a frost last winter, but the Jockey Club have been well up for it."

Jockey Club Estates managing director Nick Patton said of the challenges: "The temperature dropped to -10.5C at Southfields Farm last night which was the coldest night of the year by far.

"All the all-weathers are open bar the Al Bahathri Polytrack which needs a bit more attention. When it gets down to these temperatures even the salt that we use has refroze, but the guys have done an amazing job and were in at 4.30am to get things ready."

Some of Sir Mark Prescott's team on Warren Hill on Tuesday morning

One plus is that December is not a busy time in Newmarket and some strings can make alternative arrangements.

Charlie Fellowes was among those to use Warren Hill – but only at second lot.

He said: "We have a covered ride so we stayed in and used that at first lot for those that are just trotting, but we needed to get our second lot out as many of them are running at the weekend.

"The Heathmen have done a great job turning the all-weathers over in these temperatures and it's very much appreciated."

Other trainers to use Warren Hill on Tuesday morning included William Haggas, David Simcock, Roger Varian, Rae Guest, James Ferguson, Alice Haynes, Tom Clover, Richard Spencer and Sir Mark Prescott.

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