THE freezing weather continues to play havoc with the jump racing programme.

Today's meetings at Taunton and Huntingdon were called off after early-morning inspections yesterday – and prospects look bleak for tomorrow, with the cards at Kempton, and Bangor subject to inspections today.

Should the National Hunt fixture be called off, Kempton have a back-up bumper card planned on the all-weather.

Andrew Morris, clerk of the course at Bangor, admits the venue is fighting an uphill battle. "The prospects are not particularly great at this stage," he said. Warwick and Uttoxeter, scheduled to race on Saturday, are also holding inspections tomorrow.

Newbury clerk of the course Richard Osgood remains "pretty hopeful" this weekend's Betfair Super Saturday fixture will beat the elements.

Special covers have been on the course for over a week in an attempt to safeguard what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of National Hunt action from the frost.

Gold Cup hero Long Run and exciting novices Sprinter Sacre and Grands Crus are just some of the star names pencilled in to run.

"It's just a case of seeing what happens," said Osgood. "I'm pretty hopeful at this stage."