Towcester Racecourse general manager Kevin Ackerman says calling off their Boxing Day meeting could end up costing them £70,000.

The festive event was postponed this week after seven inches of snow fell on the racecourse.

Ackerman told BBC Look East: "We're not the only industry suffering, but horse racing is decimated at this point.

"There's not much you can do, but we're looking at £70,000 of lost revenue. It's hitting us hard."

He added: "For a company our size, that's quite substantial. There's been great disappointment from everyone."

Racing at Hereford and Sedgefield has also been postponed this week as a result of the cold weather.

"The forecasts say there will be no improvement and it'll take considerable time to thaw out," added Ackerman.

"You've got fully trained horses, ready to run, who can't get out of their box. There are no races for them to run in.

"But we have to consider the health and safety of the horse and rider, as well as the general public."

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