A ballot of Tote staff is expected to recommend the use of strike action against the Irish Horseracing Authority's Tote rationalisation plan.

The results of the ballot will be known next week and according to SIPTU spokesman Liam Peppard "it is likely to approve the use of strike action if necessary".

The IHA's upgrading plan for the Tote involves the centralisation of the operation with Autotote in Co Longford and changes to the staffing structure of the full-time and part-time staff.

Peppard said yesterday: "Obviously if a strike can be avoided that will be for the best but the IHA seem to be fairly hard-nosed about this. Approximately 22 full-time positions are in danger and also some part-time positions."

Imperial Call will be trained for the Gold Cup rather than the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham festival. The 1996 Gold Cup winner's owners, Lisselan Farms, confirmed the decision yesterday and Imperial Call will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, who will school the horse next week.

"The horse is fine and the results of his blood tests have been good. He is back in full training," said the Lisselan spokesperson Sarah Lane yesterday. Imperial Call is generally priced at 25 to 1 to repeat his Gold Cup triumph.

Meanwhile, racecourse officials in Britain are hoping that the forecast milder weather will arrive to mark a return to National Hunt racing after two blank jumping days. Wincanton became the 30th meeting lost to the elements when today's fixture was called off. The other jump fixture at Huntingdon is subject to an inspection at 7.30 a.m. today. Huntingdon clerk of the course Hugo Bevan said: "Ninety-five per cent of the course is raceable and things have really improved. However, I'd have to say that prospects are no higher than 50-50 at present."

Officials at Newbury are more confident about their two-day fixture tomorrow and Saturday going ahead.

Jump racing is also planned for Bangor tomorrow where a course spokeswoman said: "We are very hopeful - there are no problems at the moment."