Storm Claudia Threatening Day Two Of Cheltenham Meeting
A preventive inspection will be held at Cheltenham tomorrow early morning ahead of the arranged seven-race Paddy Power Gold Cup card.
Strong winds and relentless rain leading produced by Storm Claudia as much as the Friday of the two-day meeting continued throughout the afternoon, as conditions at the track were inevitably aggravated by a day's racing on the Prestbury Park grass.
With more rain forecast, officials will examine the track at 7.30 am before the planned second afternoon of action.
"We have actually had 12mm of rain through the day to add to the 7mm overnight and as we have actually been racing this afternoon we have actually opened the track," clerk of the course Jon Pullin informed Racing TV.
"We have actually still got more rain to come, possibly up until midnight and we might see some heavy spells in the next couple of hours. Having opened it up it makes good sense to take a look in the early morning.
"The projection is saying it needs to be drying up from 1am and we do understand that when this track gets a bit of a window with no rain it does begin to drain and hopefully that will be the case.
Racegoers in rainy conditions throughout Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. Forecasters have provided an amber caution for rain as Storm Claudia, which was called by the service, brings heavy downpours and strong winds for much of the nation. during Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Friday November 14, 2025.
"This is preventive, we have actually raced today and we do have that dry window. I 'd be enthusiastic we'll be OK for tomorrow. We'll do everything we can to make a decision as early as we can."
Navan, due to stage the Fortria Chase and with it the reappearance of Marine National, will also check at the exact same time due to a Status Yellow rain caution from Met Eireann.
Clerk of the course Paddy Graffin, said: "Since our ground update at 7.30 am today, there has been an additional 6mm of rain at Navan.
"The ground currently stays soft to heavy, nevertheless, due to the Status Yellow rain warning from Met Eireann in place for County Meath which goes through to the early hours of tomorrow morning, we will hold a precautionary examination at 7.30 am ahead of racing.
"This is a preventive measure due to the projection but the track is presently fit for racing and the current upgrade from Met Eireann recommends we could get approximately a more 10-15mm of rain in the area."