The CHELTENHAM Festival race was abandoned with parts of the course ‘unraceable’ after heavy rain.
Today’s big race chase, which was supposed to take place at 4:10 p.m., was completely canceled after a track inspection.
2
The Cross Country Chase is Cheltenham’s most recognizable race, with its unique gradients and ‘cheese wedge’ jumps Credit: PA
2
Rachael Blackmore was one of the favorites in the race for the Gold Cup. Credit: Reuters
They had hoped to go ahead with the race on Friday if conditions did not improve by this morning.
CHELTENHAM BET OFFERS – THE BEST FREE BET OFFERS FOR THE FESTIVAL
But The Jockey Club took the decision to call off the race altogether, as the weather was unlikely to improve.
The knock-on effect of that decision means changes to the times of the first four races, with the opening Gallagher Novices Hurdles starting 15 minutes later than planned.
A statement read: “Following 11mm of rainfall yesterday, there was no improvement in cross-country track conditions and with parts of the course unraceable, Glenfarclas’ cross-country pursuit was sadly abandoned.
“The forecast for the rest of the week continues to look uncertain, with further showers likely on Thursday and Friday.
“Therefore, there will not be sufficient improvements to the cross-country course until Friday 15th March, so the decision has been made not to postpone the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase at the Festival.
“As a result of the cancellation of Race 5 today, the revised race times for Wednesday March 13th are as follows:
“Race 1: 1345, Race 2: 1430, Race 3: 1515, Race 4: 1600, Race 5: NA, Race 6: 1650, Race 7: 1730.
“The Going on the Old & New course is soft, hard in places.”
The decision to cancel the race looked somewhat inevitable after footage emerged of competing cars stuck in the mud before and after the first day’s race.
Headline: ‘Absolute chaos’ at Cheltenham Festival with racegoers ‘stuck everywhere without help’ after stormy rain
The news came at a chaotic start to the second day.
Nicky Henderson has withdrawn several of his runners, including Champion Chase hopeful Jonbon over fears of a mystery bug that has ravaged his yard.
Five of his six runners were withdrawn on the first day and Henderson, 73, said there would be ‘more non-runners’ for Thursday and Friday, with red-hot hurdle favorite Sir Gino a major concern.
While on Tuesday night there was ‘absolute chaos’ in the swampy car park as thousands of motorists had to drag and push their cars out of standing water.
Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work hit the wet Cross Country betting at Cheltenham.
His defending champion, who was about 2-1, was set to face former Gold Cup winner Minelli Indo.
Rachael Blackmore, who rode the first winner on day one, was to ride Indo, who had been the long-time favorite in the race.
Elliott, who loves the race, was also set to take on other favorite Coko Beach, while Willie Mullins, who looks set to blow the bookies away again, was slated to lead Stattler.
The Cross Country Chase is run over a course that is different from the old and the new.
It is located in the middle of traditional trails and has famous banks and ‘cheese wedge’ jumps.
Past winners of the race include two-time Grand National hero Tiger Roll – who won the Cross Country three times for Ryanair owner and boss Michael O’Leary – and Balthazar King.
The bookies were smashed by the bookies on day one as a number of favorites and underpriced entrants ran riot.
Lark In The Mornin was the biggest winner of the day at 9-1 in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap.
But even he was short 6-1 ahead of the race.
Mullins looks set to have a few more bankers on day two after State Man and Lossiemouth brought home the double on Tuesday.
His horse Ballyburn – co-owned by football superagent David Manasseh – has the odds on his first win.
While Fact To File is the odds for the next, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, and El Fabiolo is 1-3 to win the Champion Chase.
FREE BETTING – GET THE BEST REGISTRATION AND RACE OFFERS
Commercial Content Notice: Accepting one of the bookmaker’s offers listed in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. Terms and conditions apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and money limits before playing
- They only gamble with money they can lose
- Never chase after their losses
- Do not gamble if they are upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education