Following selective watering after racing yesterday the going on the Old Course for day two of The Festival™ is currently Good, Good to Soft in places both over hurdles and fences, and also on the Cross Country Course. It is overcast however, and there remains a chance of rain.
Jon Pullin, Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham, said at 9.30am: “We put on an average of 5mm last night from the two-mile start to the winning post, and also down the hill on the Old Course.
“The forecast for today is still uncertain, with some saying there should be little or no rain - between nought and 2mm - but others saying we could get between 6mm and 8mm.
“We are on the edge of a rain band, but the heavier rain should pass mainly to the east of us. If it did happen to drift over then we could get it nearer to the higher end, but most forecasts are indicating it should be towards the lower end. The temperature should be around 11 to 12 degrees.”
The action on days three and four of The Festival (Thursday and Friday) switches to the New Course, where the going is currently Good to Soft. Pullin will see what transpires today before making any decision on further irrigation.
NON-RUNNERS TODAY
2.50pm Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
25 Fair Frontieres (Going)
5.30pmWeatherbys Champion Bumper
6 Esperti (Self Certificate, Bruised Foot)
