Haydock set to be tough but Tellwright believes meeting will scrape through
Haydock clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright is cautiously optimistic the track's valuable Saturday card will win its battle against the weather, although he warned on Thursday it will be a close call.
As has been the case all winter, heavy and gruelling conditions prevail at Haydock, where 13 horses have been declared to contest the Peter Marsh Chase, while The New One is due to bid for his fourth consecutive success in the Unibet Champion Hurdle Trial.
"We may call a precautionary inspection for Saturday morning, but I have measured optimism," said Tellwright.
"If the forecast is correct we should scrape through by a hair's breadth.
"We've had a lot of rain but it hasn't fallen as snow. The risk of snow is diminishing now as well, although there's then a risk of frost. We're due to go down to only -2C on Friday night but the ground is now so wet that it's a ready conductor."
Asked about a racing surface that is sure to be demanding, Tellwright added: "The jockeys will have to set the pace according to the ground, there will be winners and there will be losers."
Dual previous winner Un De Sceaux and ante-post plunge Brain Power head five declarations for the Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Chase, whose Ascot venue is in a safer state than Haydock.
Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "The overnight forecast into Saturday is only -1C, which wouldn't generally pose any problems. We're also forecast the odd wintry shower, but there's nothing to indicate the meeting will be threatened.
"The ground is a mixture of soft and good to soft. I don't really see that changing significantly but I do think the ground will ride dead."
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
Published on inNews
Last updated
- 'Nothing positive can come out of this for racing' - Betfair founder Andrew Black issues stark warning as affordability checks come into play
- 'Heartbroken' Brendan Holland leads tributes to Valdir de Souza after death aged 49
- Euro 2024 betting news: England well backed as path to final opens up
- Inspiral set to make surprise switch to Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot
- Nottingham: 'Let's hope he's half as good' - James Doyle impressed after Aomori City emulates Blue Point on debut
- 'Nothing positive can come out of this for racing' - Betfair founder Andrew Black issues stark warning as affordability checks come into play
- 'Heartbroken' Brendan Holland leads tributes to Valdir de Souza after death aged 49
- Euro 2024 betting news: England well backed as path to final opens up
- Inspiral set to make surprise switch to Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot
- Nottingham: 'Let's hope he's half as good' - James Doyle impressed after Aomori City emulates Blue Point on debut