MUSSELBURGH Racecourse has abandoned its bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend due to a frozen track.

The racecourse's premier jumps weekend fixture had been set to take place this Saturday and Sunday but sub-zero temperatures have put paid to the event, it was announced today.

Harriet Graham, clerk of the course, said: “Very sadly we have had to abandon our Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend because of frozen ground.

“We have tried really hard to get this meeting on, putting fleeces on the whole course, but unfortunately with temperatures as low as -7 last night and the night before, the frost has got underneath the fleece and there is no prospect of temperatures rising enough over the next few days for us to get racing on Saturday or Sunday.

“It is such a great shame as we had a very exciting weekend ahead of us, but we just can’t beat the weather I am afraid.”

Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, added: “Musselburgh will seek the opportunity to stage an extra fixture which will meet the needs of horses that would otherwise have raced at our bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend.”

Refunds will be made available and the racecourse will be in contact with all race-goers who have purchased advance admission tickets.

For more information, visit the racecourse website and social media feeds.