Cheltenham’s ground has eased significantly ahead of Gold Cup day after heavy rainfall hit the track overnight. The going has changed from Thursday’s description of good, good to soft in places, to good to soft, soft in places on the chase course, and soft, good to soft in places on the hurdles course.
Overnight Rainfall Impacts Going
A total of 12mm of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours. 10mm of rain arrived overnight, adding to the 2mm during racing on Thursday.
Speaking at 6.45am, Cheltenham’s clerk of the course Jon Pullin provided an update. “We had 12mm of rain yesterday and overnight, so we’re now good to soft, soft in places on the chase course, and soft, good to soft in places on the hurdles course,” said Pullin.
While strong winds and rain affected the Gloucestershire track on Thursday, a more settled day is anticipated. There is a chance of a small amount of rain, but Pullin doesn’t expect anything significant.
Gold Cup Day Schedule and Favourites
The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is set to begin at 1.20pm with the JCB Triumph Hurdle. The feature race, the Gold Cup, is scheduled for 4pm.
A field of 11 will head to post in the Gold Cup. Gaelic Warrior and The Jukebox Man are currently battling it out for favouritism.
Expert Tips and Concerns
Harry Wilson has provided his day four tips for the Cheltenham Festival, including one horse who ‘looks made for the Gold Cup’. One horse ‘oozed class winning over course and distance in January’ and is tipped to win on day four.
Willie Mullins has expressed concern over the Cheltenham going. “If the ground is going to be like this, we’re not going to bring them,” said Mullins.
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The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is underway, with the ground conditions a key factor after the overnight rainfall.