Yesterday's National Hunt meeting at Carlisle became the latest casualty of the current cold spell.

Officials at the Cumbrian venue called an inspection for 8am but, after another night of sub-zero temperatures, the decision was made early.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: "We got down to -4C which was a good deal colder than what we were forecast.

"It was still frozen in places and while it was coming out slowly, those sort of temperatures brought us right back to square one."

Meanwhile, Nicky Henderson has expressed his delight after the British Horseracing Authority authorised an additional two-mile conditions hurdle to take place at Kempton's meeting on Saturday. The news comes after the loss of the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last weekend, which had been an intended target for reigning Champion Hurdle hero Punjabi.

Henderson has been desperate to get another run into his charge before he defends his crown at next month's Cheltenham Festival and weather permitting, he will now have his chance in the Racing Post iPhone App HBLB Champion Hurdle Trial.

"It's obviously a very big help to us as I do really want to get a run into him," said Henderson.