Today's crowd at The November Meeting came to 33,591, compared to 32,721 in 2018 - an increase of just over 2.5 per cent.

Ian Renton, Regional Director, Cheltenham & The South West, said: "I would like to pay tribute to all the ground staff here at Cheltenham, who have all worked so hard under challenging conditions this week. While it was unfortunate to have to abandon Countryside Day yesterday, we have all enjoyed an excellent eight-race programme today.

"It is very gratifying to see a bumper crowd here at Cheltenham today, enjoying some thrilling action on the track. We now look forward to Family Fun Day tomorrow, featuring the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle."

CLAISSE DELIGHTED WITH HOW THE
GROUND HAS HELD UP

After racing Cheltenham's Clerk of the Course, Simon Claisse, said: "We've been delighted with the way the course has ridden, and what really shows how happy the horsemen were is that we had a full field in the bumper, the last race of the day.

"We were liaising with jockeys throughout the day about conditions, as well as keeping an eye on everything, in particular coming down the Old Hill where the chases and hurdle races were sharing the track.

"Everyone was really happy with it, so I am leaving the going as Soft, Heavy in places for racing tomorrow.

"The forecast is mostly dry - there may be the odd shower.

"We're currently out there moving all of the hurdle rail - that will be stepped out two yards. We'll take a view in the morning about whether we will be moving any hurdles or any chase lines."