LINGFIELD GETS SATURDAY BACKING

All-weather racing will take place on Saturdays at Lingfield for the remainder of the winter period, it was announced today.

However, contingency plans are in place to switch Lingfield`s meetings to Southwell should the weather threaten racing at the Surrey track.

Discussions have been taking place between the British Horseracing Board, Jockey Club and Lingfield`s owners Arena Leisure following the loss of two recent Saturday meetings at the course.

The BHB are anxious to ensure all-weather racing takes place on the busiest betting day of the week during the winter.

A statement from the BHB said: 'BHB and the Jockey Club are satisfied that the executive of Arena Leisure is taking all possible steps to secure racing at Lingfield on their all-weather surface and have the safety of the horses and jockeys as their primary concern.

'However, it is evident that the surface is no longer able to combat severe frost.

'Arena Leisure has assured both the BHB and the Jockey Club that it will carry out a full programme of works to restore the surface to pristine condition as quickly as possible following completion of its winter all-weather programme.'

While racing at Lingfield this Saturday will be run as normal, for the period February 3 to March 3 inclusive, the day of closing for Lingfield`s Saturday cards will move from Monday to Thursday.

The BHB and Arena Leisure will study advance weather forecasts on the Wednesday and if these are unfavourable with significant frost forecast the meeting will then be switched to Southwell.