Punters face total jumps racing wipeout after Ascot abandons Clarence House Chase card amid sub-zero temperatures

BRITAIN is facing a total jumps racing wipeout on Saturday – after Ascot cancelled its huge Clarence House Chase card.

The sub-zero cold snap has seen National Hunt fixtures up and down the country scrapped with racecourses frozen.

AlamyNot even covering the track in frost sheets could save Ascot’s big race[/caption]

Ascot became the latest to fall victim after a 4pm inspection confirmed the bad news on Thursday.

Willie Mullins’ Champion Chase favourite El Fabiolo was due to take on Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon in the big race.

But it looks like that will now be rearranged for Cheltenham’s Trials Day on January 27 – and more than likely without El Fabiolo taking part.

Haydock and Taunton – the two remaining jumps fixtures on Saturday – are subject to Friday inspections.

However, the ground is currently frozen at both with temperatures set to dip well below freezing again tonight.

An Ascot statement read: “The BetMGM Clarence House Chase raceday has been abandoned.

“Temperatures dropped to -6C overnight into Thursday and the track is still frozen in places at 4pm under the covers.

“Given the forecast remains for sub-zero temperatures over the next two nights there is no prospect of improvement before raceday on Saturday.”

More to follow.