Musselburgh's meeting today became the latest to fall victim to the current cold snap when it was abandoned following an inspection yesterday afternoon.

Hopes of racing on turf today hinge on a 7.45 inspection at Wetherby where, although most of the frost had gone, the track was under snow.

Today's other meeting is on the all-weather at Southwell where there are no reported problems.

Officials are optimistic that tomorrow's turf meetings at Fontwell and Leicester can go ahead.

Clerk of the course at Leicester Nick Lees said: "At the moment we have an inch of snow but the thaw is coming and we are very hopeful racing will be on." Milder weather has already arrived at Fontwell, where there was rain yesterday.

Rince Ri is to miss Saturday's Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham. The eight-year-old was due to have a prep race for the Gold Cup, having won the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown for a second time on New Year's Eve.

However, the gelding did not scope clean yesterday morning, prompting the decision to miss a clash with the likes of Cyfor Malta and possibly See More Business.

Trainer Ted Walsh said yesterday: "I scoped him this morning and it came up dirty and as a consequence he will not go to Cheltenham next Saturday."

Rince Ri, who unseated Ruby Walsh three out when going well in last year's Gold Cup, is an 8 to 1 chance for this season's race.