Cheltenham Festival hit by storms

Stormy weather has caused the second day of the Cheltenham Festival to be cancelled. The strong winds have made the marquees in the tented hospitality area unsafe and concerns over safety have resulted in Wednesday’s racing being abandoned. However, with calmer weather forecast for later in the week, the organisers are rescheduling the races to run over Thursday and Friday. There will be 10 races on Thursday, and nine on Friday, with the first race at 1230pm each day.

Approximately 55,000 people had been due to attend the Cheltenham Festival race meeting on Wednesday. People holding tickets for Wednesday will receive a 100 refund, but their tickets will not be valid on Thursday or Friday. There will be tickets on sale for all 3 enclosures on Thursday with a higher visitor capacity of 65,000. Friday’s fixture is sold out.

Visit the Cheltenham Racecourse website for further information - www.cheltenham.co.uk

12/03/2008 12:58:47