Cheltenham Officials Hoping For Rain

Cheltenham officials are hoping the forecast rain materialises ahead of the eagerly-awaited four-day Festival next week.

About 20 millimetres have been predicted over the next few days, which means there would be no need to water the track.

The ground was today described as good, good to firm in places on the two hurdle and chase courses, while the cross-country track remained good, good to soft in places.

'We have significant rainfall forecast over the next three or four days,' said clerk of the course Simon Claisse.

'Hopefully it will mean we will start the meeting with no good to firm in the ground without having to water.

'Forecasters are saying that by the time we start racing on Tuesday next week, we should have had the best part of 20 millimetres.

'For the meeting itself, it is set to remain relatively mild and I think with some light rain ? but that's a long way ahead.

'We have said our aim is to have no good to firm in the ground before we start and we will endeavour to achieve that.

'Hopefully it will come naturally.'

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