Cheltenham not expecting overnight rain to have an effect on going

Cheltenham could catch up to 4mm of rain overnight but Gold Cup day promises to be bright and sunny.

Speaking just before Thursday's final race, after a largely dry day, clerk of the course Simon Claisse, who left the going description as 'soft, heavy in places' for the final festival afternoon, said: "We're right on the fringe of a front which is moving up through Wales, but it's due to clear by dawn into a bright and sunny day and temperatures of 11C or 12C."

He added: "One or two jockeys have said to me that they didn't think it had been as testing today as yesterday, and I don't think 4mm would make much difference.

"We have fresh chase ground tomorrow all the way round the Gold Cup track, and we'll take a view on moving rails on the hurdles track when we have a good look after racing."