'I'd be keen on it' - Philip Hobbs supports a five-day Cheltenham Festival

Philip Hobbs is the highest-profile name to throw his support behind the prospect of a five-day Cheltenham Festival, with the trainer – who has 20 wins at racing most important meeting – believing the switch is a good idea.

Talk of an additional day of racing on the Saturday of festival week started after course chairman Martin St Quinton said he "wouldn't rule anything in or anything out" and it has since been a hot topic in racing.

Hobbs argues that if each day stages six races, instead of seven, only two extra contests would need to be added. There are fears that the extra day could damage Cheltenham's renowned championship-level competition, but Hobbs does not believe this would be an issue.

He said: "Personally I'd be keen on it. A five-day festival would probably only need two more races and that gives us all more of a chance of having a Cheltenham Festival winner. I definitely think it's a good idea. With only two more races I don't think it would dilute the quality.

"There are a few options for races to be added, and I think a veterans race would be quite a good addition. A Grade 1 hurdle over two and a half miles would probably be number one on the list."

Defi Du Seuil: gave Hobbs a 20th Cheltenham Festival winner in the JLT Novices' Chase last seasonCredit: Patrick McCann

On whether such a race could damage the competition of the Champion and Stayers' Hurdle, he responded: "We had the same thing with the chases when the Cathcart Challenge Cup was introduced but it has worked out well and the Ryanair is now a massive race. The Champion Chase is perhaps the race that lacks a few runners but the Gold Cup and Ryanair never do."

When considering an issue against adding an extra day, Hobbs added: "The only difference with Cheltenham and a current five-day festival like Royal Ascot is that you're less likely to get very soft ground," Hobbs said.

Read more from our columnists:

Bruce Millington: There's no need to fear a fifth day of fab Cheltenham Festival

David Jennings: Don't be so hasty to rubbish the idea of a five-day Cheltenham Festival

Lee Mottershead: Cheltenham's list of races at risk emphasises the folly of a fifth day

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com