Fuel shortages are threatening to wreck horse racing in Britain for the remainder of this week at least.
Officials at Ayr today warned that the crisis could ruin the course`s prestige three-day Western Meeting which begins on Thursday.
And Pontefract`s meeting on the same day is under threat because the ambulance service has informed the course it is unable to provide cover.
But Yarmouth tomorrow is to go ahead after problems over the provision of ambulances were sorted out.
The racing authorities are monitoring the situation but have decided that the scheduled programme should go ahead tomorrow.
The sport has so far escaped lightly from the effects of the fuel shortages which are beginning to bite throughout the country.
But Ayr clerk of the course Richard Pridham said: 'If the situation intensifies we could have a real problem.
'We`ve been given assurances that the ambulance service will be able to provide cover for our meeting but that`s only one piece of the jigsaw,' he said.
'No trainers have reported to me problems yet about transporting their horses to the races but the situation could easily change in the next 24 hours.
'Even if a solution is found quickly there could be a knock-on effect for us. Many people might simply make their minds up that it`s not worth travelling here at all.
'The whole thing is worrying but I wouldn`t like to comment at the moment about the danger of the meeting having to be called off. I am sure the position will be a lot clearer in 24 hours.'
Ayr is in more difficulty than many other racecourses due to its geographical position.
All the main training centres are a minimum of 200 miles plus from the course on the west coast of Scotland.
However, Epsom trainer Jon Akehurst, who has Marsad and Passion For Life in the Ladbroke (Ayr) Gold Cup, is confident that his horses will make the journey.
'We`ve got plenty of diesel here and my two will definitely be there. Although I`m notsure I`ll make it myself,' he said.
Rae Guest confirmed that his charge Roseum will make the trip from Newmarket.
'We have a supply of diesel and she`ll make her way up to Scotland on Friday,' he said.
Linda Perratt does not have a problem at Ayr as she trains 800 yards away from the course.
But ironically one of her two entries in the big race, Ho Leng, is set to race at Newbury instead.
Fortunately Perratt has enough diesel to send the horsebox on the 800-mile round trip to the Berkshire track.
Beverley`s meeting tomorrow was under threat at one stage when the ambulance service informed the course it could not provide cover.
But the meeting was saved when the ambulances agreed to use fuel provided by the racecourse.
At Yarmouth clerk of the course David Henson said: 'It wasn`t a problem with fuel in this case it was just a question of arranging to get the personnel in,' said clerk of the course David Henson.
'But everything`s fine now and there are also no problems for the meeting on Thursday.
The British Horseracing Board and Jockey Club issued a statement confirming that racing should continue tomorrow.
'The key issue under consideration is the provision of essential medical cover. Sandown and Beverley have been advised that sufficient medical cover will be provided,' said the statement.
'The BHB and the Jockey Club recognise that trainers will only send their horses racing if they are satisfied that they can return the same day. In the event of declared runners or riders being unable to meet their engagements, no fines or penalties will be imposed.
'With regards to the remainder of the week, the situation will be kept under constant review, taking account of the ability of trainers to send runners to meetings and any other relevant developments.'
Commenting on the prospects for Pontefract, the clerk of the course Norman Gundill said he had been advised that ambulances could not be provided.
'Without these ambulances we cannot race,' he added. 'However the ambulance service say that the situation may change and they will give us a final decision by midday tomorrow.'
Trainer Milton Bradley today had no qualms about sending a team of horses from his base on the Welsh border across to Yarmouth, Britain`s most easterly course, a trip of more than 230 miles.
The travelling paid off as Chez Bonito took the Bennetts Electrical Megastores Claiming Stakes, the opening race at the track`s three-day meeting.
'We have plenty of diesel at home and we managed to get some on the way so we`ve got enough to get home and we`re all right,' said Bradley`s travelling head lad Graham Lucas.
'We came yesterday - the roads were nice and quiet! - and we have brought six horse in the big, old box for the three days.'
