Uttoxeter card subject to fourth inspection at midday

This afternoon's meeting at Uttoxeter will have to pass a fourth inspection at midday if it is go ahead. Although the entire course has been covered by fleece since Wednesday, the prospect of freezing temperatures overnight on Friday prompted officials to announce a precautionary check for 7.30am. Clerk of the course Charlie Moore was happy to give the meeting the green light following that inspection, but shortly after the snow began to fall, threatening the fixture once more.With a heavy snow shower making the fleece "too wet and heavy to move easily", a second inspection at 10am proved inconclusive.Ground staff began removing the fleece, but officials were unable to give racing the go-ahead after a third check at 11am and jockeys and trainers will now inspect the course at 12pm.The first race is due to get under way at 1.10pm.