Cheltenham Festival Day One kicks off with cross-country race put back to Thursday
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL went ahead despite a 10:30am weather inspection, although the Cross-Country race has been rescheduled for Thursday.
The first day of the famous meeting was thrown into doubt after overnight temperatures of -12C were recorded in Cheltenham, but officials have judged the course to pass this morning's inspection.
Clerk of the course Simon Claisse confirmed that the track was set for racing today, with the first race commencing at 2.05pm.
Originally set for 1:30pm, punters are set for a full schedule aside from the Cross Country even which has been rescheduled for Thursday.
Jockey Paul Carberry said:"It's borderline but there are a few patches where they have schooled horses earlier in the week and they have been unable to put the ground back."
"On these parts there is still a bit of bone in the ground. If it's getting warmer as they say, there will be no trouble for Thursday."