Storm Claudia Threatening Day 2 Of Cheltenham Meeting

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


Strong winds and consistent rain leading produced by Storm Claudia up to the Friday of the two-day meeting continued throughout the afternoon, as at the track were undoubtedly worsened by a day's racing on the Prestbury Park turf.


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


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


"We've still got further rain to come, potentially until midnight and we could see some heavy spells in the next couple of hours. Having opened it up it makes good sense to have an appearance in the morning.


"The projection is saying it needs to be drying up from 1am and we do understand that when this track gets a bit of a window with no rain it does begin to drain and ideally that will be the case.


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


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


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


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


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


"This is a preventive procedure due to the projection however the track is presently fit for racing and the current update from Met Eireann recommends we could get around an additional 10-15mm of rain in the area."