Down Royal prospects improve Prospects of racing at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day have increased greatly despite the continued cold snap, and Manager Mike Todd is becoming increasingly confident. “The course was frozen up to today but is now raceable and, while it is to remain bitterly cold up to Christmas Day, temperatures are then predicted to rise. If the forecast is right then we shouldn't have a problem.” Todd added, “We may call a precautionary inspection for Saturday but we will decide that in the next few days." The ground is described as soft. Limerick Manager Russell Ferris is also upbeat about their four-day Festival saying: "We have no real cause for concern and are confident the meeting will go ahead as scheduled." "We are due to get a bit of rain on Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day morning. The ground is soft on the hurdle track and soft to heavy on the chase course," added Ferris. Meanwhile there are "no anticipated problems at Leopardstown" according to Turf Club press officer Cliff Noone. He added, "The going is currently yielding to soft, and there is the prospect of some rain by Saturday."
