Racing: Rain threatens racing

HEAVY rain for two hours yesterday afternoon put today's card at Hereford in jeopardy. Stewards will inspect the track at 7 o'clock this morning to judge if the meeting can take place. John Williams, the clerk of the course, said yesterday evening: 'Prospects are not good.'

Yesterday's card at Lingfield Park was abandoned after an 8am inspection. Half an inch of rain overnight had caused the track to be waterlogged.

Tomorrow's meeting at Hexham could be in doubt if further rain affects the area. The going is already heavy and further showers were feared. The last two scheduled cards at Hexham this season have been lost to waterlogging and snow and frost.

Charlie Smirke, one of the all-time great Flat jockeys, died yesterday at the age of 87 in a residential home in Leatherhead, Surrey. Smirke rode 11 Classic winners, including four in the Derby.

Obituary, page 12.