Going set to get tougher on track and in the car park

Cheltenham officials were on Wednesday evening expecting a further soaking in advance of the festival's third day with significant rainfall set to maintain demanding conditions.

The day-two action took place on an Old course described as soft, heavy in places. The same assessment has been given to the New course, on which the rest of the meeting will be staged.

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "We're due to get up to 9mm or 10mm of rain overnight, petering out through the morning with a dry afternoon.