Cheltenham fit for racing

This afternoon’s big National Hunt fixture at Cheltenham has been given the green light following a second inspection at 10am.

Frost covers were deployed over the entirety of the course, but overnight temperatures dropped to a shuddering minus 7C.

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse initially staged an 8am precautionary inspection, at which stage the meeting appeared in serious doubt.

Conditions have shown breathless improvement throughout the morning, however, which enabled officials to deliver the good news following a second check at 10am.

“We’re on,” declared Cheltenham director of communications Andy Clifton.

“The temperature has risen enormously throughout the morning, which is obviously fantastic news.”

Cheltenham Festival Trials day is the final meeting at Prestbury Park before the main event in March.

The going is currently soft.