Punchestowns pulls out of late-running Cheltenham

Today's meeting at Cheltenah was continuing after a track inspection but concerns over the course led to many declared non-runners including fixture highlight Punchestowns.

Completion of the meeting had been thrown into doubt after some riders and trainers expressed concerns about the ground following the first race at 12.30.

After a delay of of 25 minutes to the 1.05 race, it was confirmed that the meeting would continue as planned.

However, there were seven non-runners in the Cheltenham Annual Pony Club Raceday Handicap Chase while the meeting lost much of its lustre when trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed Punchestowns would not run in the Dipper Novices’ Chase.

All races will now be run 30 minutes later than scheduled.

Meanwhile tomorrow's meeting at Cork is subject to a precautionary inspection at 8am due to the threat of a severe overnight frost.