Murphy's rescue plan gets green light

Yet, despite these surfaces being supposedly weather-proof, there are still no guarantees – given the severity of the weather – that these fixtures will beat the elements.

Meetings at snow-bound Kempton and Lingfield were called off earlier this week because of a shortage of ambulances, and Wolverhampton's all-weather track was unfit for racing yesterday due to frozen ice particles in the Polytrack surface.

Road access is another imponderable.

There is, however, some respite for National Hunt trainers who have endured no racing in Yorkshire and the North since Catterick's card on December 15.

The BHA has given the green light to an initiative – instigated by West Witton trainer Ferdy Murphy – which will see Southwell stage an all-bumper card on Wednesday (ice and snow permitting).

It means every race – albeit on the flat and without obstacles – will be open to National Hunt horses.

Murphy, who has been transporting some of his horses to Redcar beach to gallop on the sand, says it is "a fantastic initiative" that will give trainers the chance to run some horses in race conditions.

A British Horseracing Authority spokeswoman said they were happy to respond to the suggestion because of the particular difficulties being encountered by jump yards.

However, she said that "no announcement" could be made on additional turf fixtures until the Arctic-like weather finally relents and the fixture list can be assessed in response to the needs and wishes of the trainers.

It follows calls from the likes of Wetherby chioef executive Jonjo Sanderson for extra meetings to be allocated. The West Yorkshire track has been forced to call off its last three cards – and next Saturday's card will, in all probability, fall victim to the elements.

Prospects are also bleak for this week's meetings at Doncaster and Catterick – another blow to the sport in this region as trainers start preparing their horses for the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival in March.

"We've put on extra all-weather cards throughout next week," added the spokeswoman. "But we can't do anything more until conditions improve."

After the Ambulance Service declared a state of emergency and was unable to deploy paramedic cover to Kempton and Lingfield's meetings earlier this week, officials at both courses have put alternative arrangements in place.

Even this, however, may not be sufficient.

Kempton clerk of the course Barney Clifford said last night's forecasted snow may make the all-weather surface unfit for action. He was due to inspect the course at 6.30am today, as were Lingfield officials.

"We've just received an updated forecast and we could get between three and five centimetres of snow tonight," said Clifford yesterday.

"That wasn't forecast originally but we didn't have any snow last night and we are perfectly raceable at the moment.

"The ambulance cover is sorted as well so it's all about the weather."

Classy sprinter Sir Gerry is being being prepared for a winter campaign in Dubai.

Winner of the 2007 Gimcrack Stakes at York, the five-year-old had been due to run at Wolverhampton yesterday – another victim of the weather –- before heading to the Middle East.

The five-year-old's form has been hit and miss for the past couple of years, but owner Gerry Galligan was not disappointed with his seventh place finish over seven furlongs at Kempton recently and is looking forward to the future.

"People have been quick to write him off but we are hoping a trip to Meydan will bring a change of luck and will bear some fruit," said owner Gerry Galligan.

Race Meetings for next week

TODAY

n ON: Kempton and Lingfield (both subject to a 6.30am track inspection today).

n OFF: Ffos Las, Sedgefield, Wincanton.

TOMORROW

n ON: Southwell (all-weather).

n OFF: Hereford.

MONDAY:

n ON: Kempton, Wolverhampton (all-weather).

n OFF: Ayr, Taunton.

TUESDAY:

n ON: Lingfield, Southwell (all-weather).

n OFF: Newcastle.

n OTHERS: Leicester (course frozen, inspection 3.30pm today).

WEDNESDAY:

n ON: Kempton, Lingfield, Southwell (all-weather).

n OFF: Kelso.

n OTHERS: Doncaster (inspection at 12 noon Monday, course frozen).

THURSDAY:

n ON: Southwell, Wolverhampton, Lingfield (all-weather).

n OTHERS: Catterick (inspection noon Monday), Towcester (frozen).