Outlook for Cheltenham: testing on the track but pleasant off it

Cheltenham has had its fair share of wintry weather in recent days, the lasting impact of which is ground described as heavy, soft in places, for the popular New Year's Day fixture.

However, like many places around the country there has been an improvement in conditions and racegoers starting the new year with a trip to Prestbury Park should be able to enjoy a dry, bright day with temperatures around 7-8C.

Speaking late Sunday afternoon, clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "We've had a couple showers so far this afternoon and could get another millimetre or two tonight, but the forecast is for a dry and pleasant day tomorrow.

"We're on the New course, which is the same track as we raced on in December, and we've moved hurdle rail and some chase rail. It's not as testing at the end of the back straight and over the top of the hill."

Heavy features as the going description at other jumps meetings at Exeter and Fakenham in Britain and Fairyhouse and Tramore in Ireland.

There was some standing water reported at Exeter on Sunday but the course was deemed raceable and no morning inspection was scheduled.

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