Iconic racecourse turns white amid sub-zero cold snap as Met Office warnings threaten key Clarence House fixture

ASCOT racecourse turned white on Monday as every inch of the world-famous track sat under a protective cover.

Bosses hope protecting the racecourse amid the sub-zero cold snap and Met Office warnings will allow Saturday’s huge Clarence House Chase fixture to go ahead.

AlamyAscot has seen fixtures cancelled amid freezing cold snaps in the past[/caption]

Legendary jockey Ruby Walsh was atop Willie Mullins’ Champion Chase favourite El Fabiolo doing work over the weekend.

He is set for a mouthwatering clash against Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon in the big race.

The outcome is sure to have a huge impact on the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets.

Jonbon has seen some support for the 2m4f Ryanair chase in recent days, suggesting a step up in trip from 2m could be on the cards should he lose to El Fabiolo.

The two slogged it out in last year’s Arkle, with Mullins’ chaser coming out on top by five-and-a-half lengths.

Only two other horses – Elixir De Nutz and Unexpected Party – were among the five-day declarations for the Grade 1 contest.

And bookies have El Fabiolo the 4-7 fav with Paddy Power’s Paul Binfield saying: “Let’s hope the weather Gods play ball as an Arkle one-two rematch is just what racing fans would love to see.

“El Fabiolo was over five lengths too powerful for Jonbon at Cheltenham and despite Ascot being a completely different track and one that the latter has excelled at in the past, we can’t see a different result to the Arkle occurring.”

But Ascot’s seven-race card – along with a hose of other fixtures this week – is at threat of being cancelled.

The UK is in the grip of a big freeze with the Met Office warning two inches of snow are set to fall today.

Arctic air is sweeping in, causing temperatures to dip well below freezing with it feeling as cold as -9C at the track early on Thursday.

Ascot posted a photo of the track under covers and a statement read: “The whole track was covered with frost covers and fleece on Friday and as of Monday morning is frost-free under the covers.

“The temperatures dropped to -1.75C on Sunday night into Monday and the forecast is for sub-zero temperatures each night this week, getting as low as -3C.

“Maximum temperatures during the day are due to be no higher than 3C until Saturday.

“Conditions for Saturday are difficult to predict at this point with conflicting forecasts.

“We will continue to monitor and provide updates throughout the week. The current going is good to soft.”

Racecourses up and down the country are only just recovering from the deluge of rain brought on by Storm Henk.

Worcester had kayakers paddling down the home straight while Huntingdon was totally flooded.

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