Claisse unfazed by Baltic blast

Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse is satisfied the Festival can go ahead without a hitch, despite a freezing cold Monday in the Cotswolds.

The Old Course (used for the first two days of the meeting), the New Course (for the second half) and vulnerable areas of the Cross Country track are under 65 acres-worth of black frost covers.

It snowed briefly on occasions during yesterday’s bitter cold and the blankets will not be removed until as late as possible.

“We’ve looked under the covers and the ground is perfectly raceable, and we can go on with confidence provided nothing unexpected happens,” said Claisse, who was pleased with the state of the Cross Country track.

“When I walked the course at the weekend it was soft and I think the Festival should start with soft going, but I won’t know until frost covers are lifted. That process will start as late as possible — 10am. The lifting of covers on the Old Course will have to be completed by 1.15pm, but should be finished before then.”

Claisse recorded a windchill temperature of -9C yesterday but the lowest temperature forecast for today is -6C. “It should rise to as high as 4C,” said Claisse.