Cheltenham goes ahead after late inspection

This afternoon’s meeting at Cheltenham will go ahead as planned after the meeting survived an impromptu inspection before racing.

Heavier than expected rain this morning forced course officials into action as the weather threatened to force a third cancellation after Doncaster and Newbury were called off.

However, with an expectant crowd already in attendance, the meeting was given the green light with the ground expected to ride soft, heavy in places.

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: “We’ve had over 30 millimetres of rain since 24 hours ago and the forecast was for significantly less than we have now had.

“As it continued to rain, we took the decision with the stewards to have a precautionary inspection at 1.15pm. The rain is due to stop shortly and the inspection was passed.

“The jockeys are happy with conditions and racing goes ahead.”