Festival build-up begins as Claisse starts watering

THE drought across the south of England will not affect Cheltenham's preparations for the festival in three weeks' time as its private reservoir is full.

That is the view of clerk of the course Simon Claisse, who on Tuesday detailed plans to put 6-7mm of water on the course before Friday.

Claisse said: "The next seven days are forecast to be predominantly dry, with temperatures of 15-16C by the end of the week. If we didn't water, it'd be good to firm by Sunday in my view. Even with this level of watering I expect the ground will be good, good to firm in patches."

The track has been largely frozen since Trials day on January 28 until a week ago, but the racecourse is now using its on-site reservoir. Claisse added: "We had 40mm of rain in February last year and this year it has been 2-3mm."

A full reservoir gives Cheltenham the ability to put down about three inches of water (75mm) in the next three weeks. Claisse again confirmed he would be looking to produce good to soft ground to start the four-day festival on March 13.