RACING: National Hunt racing has been hit by yet another cold spell, with one meeting off today and another likely to fall tomorrow.

Musselburgh (yesterday) and Market Rasen (today) were both abandoned and Carlisle is also doubtful as the northern half of Britain continued under the grip of winter. But Chepstow are geared up to race today, while Ludlow are also under orders for their fixture tomorrow.

Prospects for the prestigious fixture at Newbury on Saturday are excellent with no problems reported at this stage.

Efforts to stage the fixture at Musselburgh yesterday were scuppered when half an inch of snow fell overnight and was followed by a cold morning.

Tomorrow's card at Carlisle is under threat from snow with an inspection due to be held at 9.30 this morning. Prospects were described as "not great".