Cheltenham Festival: Course Inspection Following Heavy Rain Could See Cross-Country Chase Moved to Friday
1 minute Minella Indo, with Rachael Blackmore as the jockey, leads the odds at 2-1 for this event.
Bettors across the nation will be evaluating their betting strategy given the first day of Cheltenham will go off on soft ground. It has now been announced that an inspection has been scheduled at Cheltenham due to parts of one of the courses being 'waterlogged' following a heavy rainfall.
Should the Cross Country event on Wednesday be deemed unsuitable for racing at the 8am check tomorrow, there's a possibility it will be postponed to Friday. Minella Indo, with Rachael Blackmore as the jockey, leads the odds at 2-1 for this event.
However, the event might be shifted to coincide with Gold Cup day on Friday, potentially turning it into an eight-race spectacle.
The Jockey Club released a statement saying:
"After experiencing 6mm of rain overnight, a stark increase from the predicted 2mm-4mm, and with an additional 4mm-6mm expected today (Tuesday 12th March), an inspection of the Cross-Country course is set for 8am tomorrow (Wednesday 13th March).
Currently, the Cross-Country course shows signs of waterlogging in certain areas.
Should the Cross-Country course not pass the inspection tomorrow, we, in collaboration with the BHA, have a backup plan to hold the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase on Friday 15th March, during Gold Cup Day.
Updates will be provided as decisions are made.
Both the Old and New Courses have absorbed the rainfall effectively, with the Going now listed as Soft, Heavy in Places."
The Cross Country track is distinct from the main racing track, situated internally.