The cold snap threatens to wreak havoc on the racing programme in Ireland and Britain this weekend, with Punchestown one of a number of tracks forced to call an inspection. However, Navan's card on Saturday has already been called off.
Two top-class cards are due to take place in Ireland on Sunday, but the fixtures at Cork and Punchestown are both subject to inspections at midday on Saturday.
Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs is the star attraction in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, while his Champion Chase-winning stablemate Energumene is due to defend his crown in the Hilly Way at Cork.
But Brendan Sheridan, clerk of the course for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, said on Friday morning: "Following overnight snow and severe frost, Punchestown is unraceable.
"With the forecast remaining very cold for the next few days and severe frost each night, we will have an official inspection at 12pm on Saturday in advance of racing on Sunday."
Having worked hard to ensure racing went ahead on Friday, officials at Cheltenham and Doncaster could face an even tougher challenge as they bid to ensure Saturday's fixtures go ahead.
Frost covers were put down both at Prestbury Park and on Town Moor earlier in the week and ultimately did their job, with Friday’s cards given the green light following second morning inspections.
But with the covers taken off and the ground opened up by Friday’s action, Saturday’s racing will hinge on morning checks again.
The other British jumps card scheduled for Saturday is at Hereford, where a precautionary check is due to take place at 7.30am.
Watch live coverage of racing from Punchestown on Sunday from 1.10pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
