SATURDAY’S jump racing fixture at Navan hinges on the track passing a 7.30am inspection. The course was frozen on Friday but clerk of the course Paddy Graffin was “optimistic” at that stage as temperatures were already rising.

“Having spoken with Met Éireann, the forecast looks favourable with temperatures already rising and likely to remain from 5C-6C overnight and into tomorrow,” Graffin said. “There is a possibility of light rain overnight. With that forecast, we are optimistic that racing will go ahead. However, due to the fact that we currently remain unfit for racing, we will have a precautionary inspection at 7.30am to assess the situation.”

No problems are expected at Thurles on Sunday, where Allaho heads a quality field in the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Chase.

There is no turf racing in Britain on Saturday, following the cancellation of Ascot, Haydock and Taunton. The Grade 1 Clarence House Chase, which was due to be run at Ascot today, has been rescheduled for Cheltenham next Saturday, as happened last year. Two other graded hurdles lost from Ascot and Haydock today will be run at Doncaster next Saturday.

Lingfield and Wolverhampton will race on the all-weather on Saturday, while Lingfield will stage a high-class jumps card on Sunday, if the turf track passes a Saturday 2pm inspection.

The bumper eight-race Lingfield card is set to feature the Fleur De Lys Chase, with the Lightning Novices’ Chase transferred from Friday’s cancelled card.