Ludlow races set to return on Thursday

Almost two months of frustration for Shropshire's National Hunt followers look certain to end on Thursday.

After three consecutive postponements due to weather, Ludlow racecourse officials are confident Thursday's card will go ahead.

"We don't expect any problems at all," said clerk of the course Bob Davies.

"We haven't had as much rain as some - probably an inch and three quarters since January 6.

"There are no problems on that front and, while it is due to get a bit colder, we are only talking about minimum temperatures of around minus one which wouldn't be an issue.

"It's a big relief to everyone that the meeting looks set to go ahead."

Ludlow's last meeting was staged on November 22, and Davies admitted the track had only been fit for racing on a couple of days since then.

• Bangor have been given the go-ahead to stage an extra meeting on Friday, February 4 after successfully applying to the BHA.