Cheltenham passes inspection after Storm Claudia

Cheltenham’s meeting on Saturday will go ahead after passing an inspection following heavy rain as Storm Claudia continues to hit the UK.

The seven-race card features the Paddy Power Gold Cup (14:20 GMT), with the going described as heavy, soft in places.

Racing took place on Friday, the opening day of the three-day meeting, but 35mm of rain fell throughout the day.

An inspection was held on Saturday morning but the course was passed fit to race.

Racing at Uttoxeter was also given the go-ahead although the meeting at Irish track Navan was called off, with races rescheduled for Monday.

The bend turning into the home straight at Cheltenham will be reconfigured to avoid unraceable areas and the penultimate fence on the chase course will be bypassed.