Weather looking Grim for February 2012

RACECOURSES are already laying down frost covers to try and fend off overnight temperatures that could get down as low as -10C in some isolated rural spots later this week.

Covers are already on at Sandown to counter the frost threat before their Betfred-sponsored card on Saturday.Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said on Monday: "It's forecast to get very cold overnight from Wednesday onwards and we have covered the whole course this afternoon. The daytime temperatures are expected to be pretty woeful as well so we will have to take a view later in the week."

The forecast has prompted the BHA to consider staging replacement fixtures at the weekend, although there will be no decision until Wednesday on the issue.

Prospects are looking grim for Thursday's meeting at Towcester with an overnight low of -5C forecast. Clerk of the course Robert Bellamy said: "The forecast as it stands would be of great concern. We are not in a position to cover the whole of the track so we will have to see if it gets as cold as they say."BHA spokesman John Maxse said: "We are hopeful for Wednesday's meetings but for Thursday and Friday we are considering moving our twilight all-weather meetings to the afternoon. Beyond that it will be 24 or 48 hours until we make a decision on any replacement fixtures."

And for Wincanton the same day, clerk of the course Barry Johnson has instructed his team to lay fleece covers to all take-offs, landings and bypass areas of the track.

He said: "Sadly we're forecast a bitterly cold few days. We've covered what we can and I expect it could go to the wire."

Chepstow, who are scheduled to race on Friday, have borrowed frost protection from Cheltenham.

In Ireland, Fairyhouse was described as unraceable on Monday due to waterlogging but racecourse manager Peter Roe said: "The rain is supposed to clear tomorrow and Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be very cold. A couple of dry days should see us right for Saturday."Clerk of the course Keith Otteson, said: "We have the heavy duty covers down on the whole of the chase and hurdle tracks. It's forecast to get progressively colder and could be -5C overnight into Friday. My only worry would be if the daytime temperatures stay low and not allow any frost to come out."

Punchestown will decide on Tuesday morning whether they will use their frost covers in advance of Sunday's fixture, which features the Sizing Europe and Big Zeb clash in the Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase.