Cheltenham escapes worst of storms

Cheltenham racecourse has survived the forecast storms so far, with clerk of the course Simon Claisse expecting only a little more rain before the start of the Festival.

Strong wind and heavy rain were forecast over the weekend but Prestbury Park has avoided the worst of the weather and it´s all systems go for the four-day racing bonanza.

"It hasn´t been so bad here," said Claisse. "We had wins up to 50mph last night and they could have been 60 or 70mph so I think we got away quite lightly.

"We´ve had 10mm of rain, most of it came in the early hours of this morning. I´ve just changed the going on the Old Course which will be used on Tuesday and Wednesday to Good-Good to Soft in places, the Cross Country course remains Good and the New Course for Thursday and Friday is Good to Soft-Good in places.

"We expect to get a little more rain later today and a little more tomorrow morning."