Cheltenham Festival's preparation unaffected despite worst weather in 20 years

The worst weather in 20 years will not alter preparations for the ground at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, despite the course losing its last two fixtures to waterlogging.

Heavy and persistent rain, snow and frost contributed to the cancellation of last weekend’s Festival Trials Day meeting, while the New Year’s Day card was also unable to take place.

Figures provided by the Met Office for Gloucestershire showed 257.3mm (10.1 inches) fell on the county in December and January, the highest combined figure in the last five years, leaving the racecourse partially flooded.