Fears over total racing wipeout as bosses say ‘nothing can save us’ amid cold snap with Ascot’s big fixture under threat

11 months ago 63

WORRIED Ascot chiefs fear more freezing weather will KO next week’s massive Clarence House Chase showdown.

Temperatures are expected to plummet across most of the UK — which could throw the head-to-head between Jonbon and El Fabiolo into doubt.

Ascot’s big Clarence House Chase card featuring El Fabiolo vs Jonbon could be under threat of being cancelled[/caption]

Willie Mullins has confirmed his intention to run his star chaser El Fabiolo in the big Grade 1 on Saturday week.

But he will be staying at home if the freezing weather is as severe as some forecasters suggest, with racing wiped out.

One man who could do without another abandonment is Jonbon’s trainer Nicky Henderson, who has had several pre-Cheltenham headaches already this season.

He has already had to chop and change plans with Constitution Hill and Shishkin this winter, while his stable jockey Nico De Boinville is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone.

Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels said the track will do everything in their power to make sure the meeting survives the cold snap — if it is as bad as feared.

He said: “We’ve the threat of sleet, rain or snow next Wednesday, but at the moment it’s very unclear so we’ll monitor both.

“We have two forecasts and they couldn’t be more different.

“One says it could be 4C come next weekend, the other says -4C, so it’s a massive variation.

“We’re covering vulnerable areas over the next couple of days, the shade under the grandstand and the take-offs and landings. We’ll do all we can to get the meeting on.”

Haydock’s Peter Marsh Chase meeting and Lingfield’s Winter Millions card are also due to take place on the same day.

Haydock’s Kirkland Tellwright said: “If it’s as bad as forecast I don’t think there’s any amount of covers on the planet to save us.”

Our nation’s racecourses are only just recovering from the intense flooding brought on by Storm Henk.

Kayakers paddled down Worcester’s home straight and Huntingdon was flooded by dirty water after the nearby Alconbury Brook burst its banks.