Storm Claudia Threatening Day Two Of Cheltenham Meeting

A preventive examination will be held at Cheltenham tomorrow early morning ahead of the set up seven-race Paddy Power Gold Cup card.


Strong winds and persistent rain leading produced by Storm Claudia as much as the Friday of the two-day throughout the afternoon, as conditions at the track were undoubtedly intensified by a day's racing on the Prestbury Park turf.


With more rain projection, officials will take a look at the track at 7.30 am before the planned 2nd afternoon of action.


"We've had 12mm of rain through the day to contribute to the 7mm overnight and as we have actually been racing this afternoon we've opened the track," clerk of the course Jon Pullin informed Racing TV.


"We have actually still got further rain to come, possibly till midnight and we might see some heavy spells in the next couple of hours. Having opened it up it makes sense to take a look in the early morning.


"The projection is saying it must be drying up from 1am and we do know that once this track gets a bit of a window with no rain it does begin to drain and hopefully that will hold true.


Racegoers in rainy conditions during Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. Forecasters have provided an amber caution for rain as Storm Claudia, which was named by the Spanish meteorological service, brings heavy downpours and strong winds for much of the country. throughout Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Friday November 14, 2025.


"This is precautionary, we've raced today and we do have that dry window. I 'd be enthusiastic we'll be OK for tomorrow. We'll do whatever we can to make a choice as early as we can."


Navan, due to stage the Fortria Chase and with it the reappearance of Marine National, will also inspect at the exact same time due to a Status Yellow rain warning from Met Eireann.


Clerk of the course Paddy Graffin, said: "Since our ground upgrade at 7.30 am today, there has been a more 6mm of rain at Navan.


"The ground currently stays soft to heavy, however, due to the Status Yellow rain warning from Met Eireann in location for County Meath which runs through to the early hours of tomorrow early morning, we will hold a preventive inspection at 7.30 am ahead of racing.


"This is a preventive procedure due to the forecast however the track is presently suitabled for racing and the most recent upgrade from Met Eireann suggests we could get around an additional 10-15mm of rain in the area."