Overview
- The opening day proceeded in testing conditions as clerk of the course Jon Pullin reported 12mm of rain on Friday with further showers forecast until midnight.
- Forecasts from the Met Office indicated significantly more than 30mm overall with gusts over 40mph, leaving ground at least soft by Pullin’s assessment.
- The British Horseracing Authority previously scrapped the cross-country race due to unraceable quick ground, with a veterans’ chase installed on Friday’s card.
- Star chaser Jonbon headlined Friday’s Shloer Chase as he bid for a third consecutive win in the Grade 2.
- Navan’s Saturday fixture is also set for a 7.30am precautionary inspection after a projected 15-20mm of rain, with officials saying conditions were raceable on Friday.