Racecourses underwater with mass cancellations feared as Storm Ciaran batters UK & meetings next week already abandoned

HELPLESS racecourses remain underwater as the fixture list looks set to get battered by Storm Ciaran.

Meetings scheduled for next week have already been cancelled as Britain braces for torrential rain and 80mph winds.

SWNSThis picture of Worcester racecourse, taken a few days ago, shows the devastating results of the awful winter weather that’s hit the UK[/caption]

And it’s not just at home where the effects of the awful weather are being felt.

Down Royal in Northern Ireland is currently ‘unraceable’ with their huge Champion Chase meeting at threat of being abandoned.

There was 25mm of rain overnight and that left the track unfit for racing.

Gordon Elliott’s Gold Cup-seeking Gerri Colombe is currently odds-on favourite to win Saturday’s big race.

Although with ‘significant amounts’ of water lying on the track and more showers forecast it’s feared the meeting may have to be pushed back.

In Britain, today’s Nottingham card has been scrapped and Friday’s jumps at Ffos Las has been cancelled.

Redcar’s Flat meeting set for next Tuesday has already been called off.

And there are worrying signs for Lingfield on Thursday and Ascot on Saturday.

The hugely exciting Johnnywho is set to make his seasonal bow at Lingfield for trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

But the Surrey track is braced for up to 20mm of rain tonight, with clerk of the course Stephanie Wethered admitting: “We remain hopefuly but will be keeping a close eye on the forecast.

“High winds are expected on Wednesday night, with gusts of up to 50mph, so we will have to see how the storm affects us.”

While bosses at Ascot are preparing for 50mm of rain to fall over the next two days.

Gusts of up to 60mph are forecast to whip through the famous Berkshire track ahead of its jumps fixture.

And more rain is predicted for Saturday as the storm – which has a ‘danger to life’ warning – hits full force.

Worcester and Southwell racecourses appear to have been hit hardest by the awful weather.

Both were pictured underwater with Worcester’s season finale, set for today, having absolutely no chance of going ahead.

There is better news across the pond for punters looking for a bet, though.

The star-studded Breeders’ Cup gets underway on Friday night, with a stellar Saturday card featuring some of the world’s best horses.

Derby hero Auguste Rodin will take on King Of Steel and Mostahdaf in the Turf that evening, while Brit stars Inspiral, Live In The Dream and Mawj also go for glory.

Southwell was underwater last week

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