Racing: Haydock card in jeopardy

HAYDOCK's televised meeting could become the third of tomorrow's race cards to be abandoned following heavy rain.

An 8am inspection will be held at the track today to determine whether racing will be possible.

"It is very wet and the going is soft, heavy in places,'' Philip Arkwright, the clerk of the course, said yesterday.

"We have had 67mm of rain - over two and a half inches - in the last nine days, and half an inch just last night. And the forecast is for more rain this evening and tonight."

Tomorrow's card is scheduled to feature three races live on BBC1, including the Listed Tote Field Marshal Stakes.

Towcester and Newton Abbot were yesterday the first Easter Saturday fixtures to fall victim to the weather after afternoon inspections. There is growing concern that Easter Monday racing could be affected.

Pat Masterson, general manager at Newton Abbot, said: "With over three inches of rain this month the course is waterlogged in many places and unfit for racing."