Cheltenham going reverts to soft after 4mm of rain overnight

The ground at Cheltenham had good to soft in places added to the previous description of soft just 24 hours before racing begins as it continued to dry out on Monday.

However, clerk of the course Simon Claisse expects the ground to be officially soft when the tapes go up for the Sky Bet Surpeme Novices' Hurdle as overnight rain is forecast.

Turftrax gave a lunchtime update, detailing the good to soft area at the highest point towards the end of the back straight on both courses.

Tuesday cards

No sooner had this been announced some rain arrived and Claisse is expecting 4-5mm by Tuesday morning after which temperatures are forecast to rise to 13-14C.

Claisse said: "We have had a dry 24 hours but, anticipating another 4-5mm, it will be back to soft by tomorrow. I still think on balance there's more soft than good to soft but the rain will push it back to soft."

It is still likely to be a sleepless night as Claisse added: "There are weather warnings for Wales and the West Midlands for some very heavy rain but we are south of it."

Claisse added that with only "bits and pieces of rain around for the rest of the week and sunny spells throughout the four days" the Magners Gold Cup on Friday could be run on good to soft.

He added: "The New Course is always slightly quicker, especially on the chase course – always half a point quicker."

Tuesday's cross-country course remains soft, heavy in places (GoingStick 4.8 compared to the Old and New Courses readings of 5.9).

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