UK Horse Racing Faces Inspections & Arctic Blast Threat | Weekend Fixtures at Risk

Wincanton Racecourse’s Kingwell Hurdle fixture will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, February 14, 2026, following a morning inspection. The track was deemed raceable despite receiving almost 10mm of rain overnight, easing conditions to heavy.

The decision contrasts with inspections planned for Haydock and Gowran, both as well facing potential disruption due to an anticipated “arctic blast” sweeping across Britain and Ireland. Haydock will conduct its inspection at 8am GMT, with temperatures forecast to fall below freezing. The Lancashire course’s card includes two Grade Two events and the £100,000 Grand National Trial.

Clerk of the course at Wincanton, Tom Ryall, stated the track had “taken the rain remarkably well,” adding, “We’re heavy on both tracks but excellent to proceed. It helped that we had a good 32 hours of dry weather from Thursday to Friday.”

The Kingwell Hurdle itself is considered a potential stepping stone for Champion Hurdle contenders, with Alexei set to compete as preparation for the Cheltenham Festival. He will face competition from Rubaud, trained by Paul Nicholls. Last year’s winner, Golden Ace, has been ruled out of the 2026 race due to the testing ground conditions.

Ascot, hosting the Betfair Ascot Chase, does not face an inspection and conditions there have reportedly improved. However, a meeting scheduled at Lingfield on Monday has already been cancelled due to a waterlogged track and further anticipated rainfall.

While jumps racing faces uncertainty in Britain and Ireland, the $20m Saudi Cup, featuring Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Forever Young, is scheduled to proceed in Riyadh on Saturday evening.