Boxing Day blues

the continued bad weather has had a devastating effect on the huge racing programme for December 26th (Boxing Day in the U.K., and St. Stephen´s Day in Ireland). Of the 14 meetings scheduled, 12 have already been cancelled, leaving only Fontwell and Wolverhampton possible (and they are not 100% certain either).
Most importantly, Kempton´s big Boxing Day fixture has been abandoned. It is now hoped to run the two main events, the King George VI Chase (featuring Kauto Star, who is attempting to win the race for an unprecedented 5th time) and the Christmas Hurdle (virtually a dress rehearsal for the Champion Hurdle) on Monday. This of course depends on Monday´s card going ahead, which must be doubtful.
The Welsh Grand National, due to be run at Chepstow on Monday, has now been postponed to January 8th.
Prospects for Irish racing, including the big Christmas Festivals at Leopardstown and Limerick, look extremely poor for the next few days.
There is however some light at the end of the tunnel, as temperatures are forecast to rise from Monday onwards. This however will probably be too late to save most of the fixtures in the first half of next week.