RACING:THE NAVAN authorities were last night anxiously looking to the skies and hoping for a weather reprieve ahead of a scheduled inspection 7am today.

The Co Meath track was raceable as darkness fell last night, but a risk of snow, and with temperatures forecast to dip overnight, means there are fears about weekend fixtures that include today’s Grade One Navan Novice Hurdle.

“We’re in the lap of the gods,” admitted a track spokesman last night.

“It’s a pity we couldn’t race today because we are raceable.

“But they are telling us there could be snow and the forecast is for minus three or minus four. We will see in the morning.”

The weather continues to make its presence felt everywhere, and hopes are fading for Punchestown’s rescheduled fixture on Monday.

The course was frozen yesterday and a further inspection is due at 8am tomorrow.

Bagenalstown trainer John “Shark” Hanlon was prevented from running Luska Lad at Ascot this afternoon when the meeting was called off yesterday.

But he will be hoping for better fortune with today’s Navan fixture where the hugely-promising Hidden Cyclone is due to defend his unbeaten record in the Grade One highlight.

The form of his For Auction Hurdle success at the track last month is not hugely impressive, but he won comfortably and should relish the step up to two-and-a-half miles.

Son Amix has a couple of entries this weekend and the four-year-old gets a nice bit of weight if the Grade Two Philips Tara Hurdle goes ahead.