Cheltenham going update: get the latest from clerk of the course Simon Claisse

The ground at Cheltenham remained soft, good to soft in places going into Gold Cup day.

Runners on the chase course will be racing on five yards of fresh ground, not raced on since Gold Cup day last year.

Simon Claisse, Cheltenham's clerk of the course, said after racing on Thursday: "The feedback on the ground on the New course has been very good from jockeys and the races have been quicker on the clock than day two.

"We looked at the ground after race five and it was marginal whether it was good to soft, soft in places or soft, good to soft in places, but then we had a light shower.

"We'll leave the description as soft, good to soft in places and we could get some showers in the next 24 hours. We're also opening up some fresh chase ground tomorrow, not used since Gold Cup day last year."

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