Conditions worsen at Leopardstown The prospect of Leopardstown's four-day Christmas meeting going ahead as scheduled from St Stephen's Day is looking increasingly bleak following further snow at the Dublin track. “There is about eight inches of snow on the track at the moment, and we will make an announcement later today on possible plans,” said General Manager Tom Burke on RTE Radio this morning. “It is very disappointing for every one involved in the racing industry when we get into a position like this." "A huge amount of work has been put in by our staff to ensure we have a successful meeting,” added Burke, who revealed that 35-40% of the track's annual income is generated at the Christmas meeting. Weather forecasts earlier this week suggesting a thaw before Christmas Day have changed, with latest predictions indicating a significant rise in temperatures accompanied by rain may not arrive until the second half of St Stephen's Day. In the meantime, temperatures will struggle to get above 0C with severe frost at night. There is also the possibility of further snow showers along the east coast over the next few days. Alan Magee
