Snow threat to Lincoln on Town Moor

It is due to start falling at Doncaster today, and become progressively worse, as the wintry weather threatens – once again – to play havoc with the fixture list.

“At the moment, we are forecast possible light snow showers before midday, then a break, with somewhere between two and eight millimetres. We will be okay with a dusting of snow,” said clerk of the course Roderick Duncan.

“It’s just a case of what volume we get. The heavy snow is not due to kick in until after racing. Based on the forecast there are reasons to be hopeful racing can survive today, but it is difficult to be optimistic for tomorrow.”

An inspection today will determine prospects for tomorrow’s card at Kelso.

Meanwhile officials will inspect at Wincanton tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s jumping action.

Leading ante-post fancy Nine Realms was the most notable absentee from the final declarations for the William Hill Lincoln.

Trainer William Haggas had warned the lightly-raced four-year-old might not turn up as he was worried about the ground.

Haggas will still be represented by Arsaadi as he seeks a fourth success in the valuable handicap over the straight mile.

The other main withdrawal was the Dermot Weld-trained Tandem, who has the Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh at the weekend as an option.

The weights are headed by the Richard Fahey-trained Majestic Myles after a maximum field of 22 was declared.

Jockey JT McNamara, critically injured in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival last week, remains in intensive care, according to the latest update on his condition.

“He is in a stable condition and his level of sedation is being reduced,” said a statement issued yesterday by the Irish Turf Club, Injured Jockeys Fund and McNamara family. “Whilst his vertebral damage remains serious, he has not suffered a brain injury. His wife Caroline and family very much appreciate all the messages, cards and letters that have been received.”

LONG-AWAITED redevelopment plans for Cheltenham racecourse are due to be revealed next week, with suggestions work could begin immediately after the 2014 Gold Cup.