'You need to have a thick skin' - Williams calls for understanding from public

Evan Williams and Harry Fry have defended their fellow trainers after Nicky Henderson and Alan King faced a barrage of social media abuse for stating the ground at Sandown on Saturday would determine whether Shishkin and Edwardstone line up in the £175,000 Betfair Tingle Creek (2.55).

Williams believes a thick skin has become a requirement for the modern day trainer, as they continue to come in for criticism despite trying to do right by their horses.

The potential for drying ground on Saturday comes soon after Cheltenham's November meeting was plagued by non-runners, including Edwardstone.