Cheltenham beats frost to get go-ahead

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse gave the fixture the green light as the New Course, which stages hurdles and chase races, beat freezing overnight temperatures.

There is only limited covering on the cross-country track, however, which means Claisse will stage a second inspection later today.

He said: "Overnight temperatures dipped to minus-three degrees but we are racing."

Today's programme at Doncaster has also been given the all-clear after an early-morning inspection.