Cheltenham races ON but bosses still ‘monitoring conditions’ as weather warning remains amid Storm Claudia downpour

CHELTENHAM races is ON – but bosses will continue to ‘monitor conditions’ throughout the day with a weather warning still in place.

Two weather warnings – one of them amber – have been issued for the home of jumps.

There is a ‘medium likelihood’ of flooding and disruption on Friday afternoon, according to the Met Office.

‘Significantly more’ than 30mm of rain was forecast to hammer the track Thursday night into Friday.

And it still looks particularly heavy at around 7.30am, where up to 8mm could fall in just an hour.

While gusts in excess of 40mph are also expected to hit Prestbury Park the same day.

But bosses confirmed the ground was safe early on Friday ahead of day one.

A post read: “Following 7mm of rain overnight the going is good to soft, soft in places and the course is raceable.

“There are currently no inspections planned.

“However there is significant rainfall forecast throughout the day and we will continue to monitor conditions.”

The track, which will be hosting its second meeting of the season, has already been forced to cancel one race.

Ironically, the much-loved Cross Country Chase was abandoned at the start of this month due to firm and ‘unraceable’ ground.

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