Drainage issues that blighted Trials Day will be closely monitored after Cheltenham Festival chiefs confirmed repairs have taken place.
A collapse in the drainage system caused a chaotic end to an already dramatic day of racing. Sir Gino picked up an injury earlier in the meeting before the concluding eighth race descended into farce.
A long delay prior to the race going ahead ensured the latter stages occurred in decreasing daylight. It was ultimately won by Kripticjim after racecourse officials, in conjunction with trainers and jockeys of those riding in the race, decided the contest was safe to be run.
However, with Cheltenham rapidly approaching in just a month’s time, multiple eyes on safety will be paramount.
Drainage issue will be ‘monitored’
Clerk of the course Jon Pullin has told the Racing Post that the infamous drainage hole has now been fixed.
“Preparations continue for the festival. Repairs on the broken drain have been carried out and we continue to monitor and conduct precautionary checks alongside our standard pre-festival preparations.”
A repair to this particular damage was always likely to come under the spotlight. Cheltenham received criticism of its decision to go ahead with its final race on Trials Day due to the issue.
Conversely, there are further issues which could blight the build up to Cheltenham. Pullin and his team, though, are abreast of any weather-related challenges after significant rain so far in 2026.
“We’ve had significant rain since the beginning of January, two inches more than last year over the same period,” said Pullin.
“As you would expect with such rainfall, certain parts of the course have taken it better than others.”
It has been 19 days since the conclusion of the Trials Day at Cheltenham. The beginning of the Cheltenham Festival is now just 25 days away in its own right, with soft very likely to appear in the going description.