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Cheltenham gets go-ahead but Newbury and Doncaster forced to abandon
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
This afternoon’s meeting at Cheltenham will go ahead as planned after the meeting survived an impromptu inspection before racing.
Heavier than expected rain this morning forced course officials into action as the weather threatened to force a third cancellation after Doncaster and Newbury were called off.
However, with an expectant crowd already in attendance, the meeting was given the green light with the ground expected to ride soft, heavy in places.
Doncaster's card, which was set to feature the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy, was called off due a waterlogged track, as has the eight-race card at Newbury.
Doncaster's Clerk of the course, Roderick Duncan, was due to inspect the course at 7.30am, but following 32mm of rain in the last 24 hours, that check was brought forward and the meeting was cancelled.
He said: “The forecast has been absolutely correct and they are predicting the rain will continue until 3pm.
“It’s as wet as I’ve known it.
“It’s very disappointing for all of us at Doncaster.”
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