Today’s racing

Kempton’s meeting today features the Grade 3 EBF Novices’ handicap Hurdle, which has attracted a field of 18 as they vie for the £39,389 prize pot for the winner.

Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville team up on the Queen’s homebred Keen On, who will be looking to bounce back from a ten-length defeat by Mossy Fen in the Grade 2 Leamington Novices’ Hurdle at Warwick in January.

Fergal O’Brien’s Hurricane Harvey is searching for a third win on the bounce while Sam Twiston-Davies will partner the Colin Tizzard-trained War Lord, who was last seen winning at Taunton last month.

Jumps cards also come from Fontwell, Newcastle, Navan (Ireland) and Uttoxeter today while there is an all-weather meeting from Wolverhampton.

Kelso to race behind closed doors

Scottish racectrack Kelso has announced that their meeting on Monday will take place behind closed doors following advice from the Scottish government about coronavirus.

A statement by the industry’s steering group said: “British racing continues to be in close contact with the UK government and has been following their advice to continue with business as usual, subject to public health guidance.

“We are aware of the decisions taken by a number of sports today to suspend fixtures in advance of any government decision coming into effect. Racing’s leaders are monitoring the situation daily and are currently considering a range of options in this rapidly developing situation. Contingency plans are ready as required.

“We are seeking further guidance from the Scottish government after their decision yesterday to ban outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people to protect the resilience of critical emergency services.

“Prior to receiving detailed advice from the Scottish government, racing at Kelso on Monday will be behind closed doors. The number of staff and participants will be below the Scottish government’s figure of 500 for outdoor gatherings.”

Paisley Park to undergo more tests

Paisley Park, who was beaten by Lisnagar Oscar in Thursday’s Stayers’ Hurdle, is set for further tests having been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat after the race.

Emma Lavelle said: “He’s fine. His heart has reverted to normal of its own accord. It’s always a positive when that happens.

“However, he is going to Newmarket for a heart scan. We need to do the tests to see exactly where we are. Paisley Park was definitely not happy after the race but is fine now. He lives to fight another day.”