once again, no N.H. racing today

Once again there is no N.H. racing today - Hexham and Leicester were called off some days ago, as well as the big Irish meeting at Fairyhouse which, it is hoped, will now be staged on Saturday. However there is plenty of all-weather action today, with Kempton and Lingfield in England, Dundalk in Ireland and a strong card at Deauville in France.

Tomorrow´s N.H. fixtures at Ludlow and Taunton have also been called off, and the big Punchestown meeting will now - weather permitting- be staged next Tuesday. Prospects for Huntingdon tomorrow do not look so good, but an inspection will be held later.

The good news is that temperatures are expected to rise at the weekend and Cheltenham´s big meeting looks safe; however Doncaster, where the ground is still frozen, looks doubtful.