Racing fans are in for a bonus at Huntingdon Racecourse this Friday - after the local track stepped in to save a big race.

The Grade 2 OLBG.com Mares Hurdle fell victim to the weather when last Saturday’s fiture at Ascot was abandoned due to a frozen course.

But it has now been transferred to Huntingdon and is likely to go off at 2.35pm as part of an eight-race card which gets underway at 12.30pm.

Huntingdon general manager Liam Johnson said: “It was disappointed for Ascot Racecourse to lose their big fixture to the wintry weather, but their loss is to the gain of Huntingdon racing fans.

“We’re also admitting Ascot’s annual members free of charge. This Friday was already shaping up to be an excellent day of racing and the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle is a real bonus for our visitors.”

The card at Huntingdon also features a strong three-mile hurdle. The £20,000 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle is a qualifier for the race of the same name at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Friday is also the second of 10 #GoRacing Days at Huntingdon during this year. Admission for adults, when purchased in advance, is just £10. It’s £15 on the day. Tickets are on sale at http://huntingdon.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

Accompanied children aged 17 and under are admitted free of charge to all meetings at Huntingdon. Young adults aged 18 to 24, who register for a pass, get in for £5.