Great to be racing after blank month

It was good to be back - that was the message from Ludlow racecourse officials as National Hunt action returned to Shropshire for the first time in almost two months.

The south Shropshire track had seen three successive meetings abandoned because of weather for the first time ever throughout January.

But yesterday's meeting survived an 8am inspection, much to the relief of an estimated crowd of 1,200 - similar to last year's figures.

"It was very pleasing to race," said clerk of the course Bob Davies.

It was important for our annual members who have lost three meetings, for the trainers who need to get their horses running with Cheltenham and Aintree coming up and for owners who can't have any fun watching their horses when there is no racing.

"It was a good day for everyone."

Meanwhile, Bangor-on-Dee are expecting no problems over tomorrow's meeting.

"We are very confident there should be no worries," said clerk Ed Gretton.

"It got down to -3C last night but it's only due to be 0 or -1 tonight and the temperatures are going to get up to about six during the day."