Cheltenham going changed to good to soft as strong winds dry Gold Cup day ground

The going for final day of the festival, which features the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, has been changed to good to soft following a dry night although that description could change before racing starts.

With strong winds continuing, Cheltenham's clerk of the course Simon Claisse believes the ground could continue to dry ahead of the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle at 1.30, despite the chance of a shower on Friday morning.

The going was good to soft, soft in places overnight but Claisse said on Friday morning: "It is a breezy start but it has been dry overnight and the going on the hurdles and chase courses is good to soft.

"If this wind keeps going and we don't get to see any rain then we expect to see good in that going description before racing starts."

A strip of fresh ground, of between six and seven yards, is set to be opened up around the inside of the track in preparation.

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