Racing returns to Cheltenham after major works on the track
Extensive work to upgrade the track's drainage system is now complete.
Racing will return to Cheltenham Racecourse later this month after major works were carried out to upgrade the track's drainage system on the home straight.
Back in April, the final three race days had to be cancelled so the work could be carried out.
Over the summer, more than 1,000 metres of drainage was replaced in total. The upgrades will mean that the infrastructure lasts for a very long time.
Jon Pullin, Cheltenham's Course Clerk said, ''Starting the work in April was critical because it gave us the time to investigate the drainage system properly and take the opportunity to replace other areas that would benefit from an upgrade.''
The extreme temperatures over the summer also impacted the racecourse. With some people concerned over the look of the course over the break.
Jon explained, ''Despite the challenging summer, the track is looking in good shape, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming racing back to Cheltenham at the end of October.''
He said, “I appreciate the images of the track over the summer may have surprised some people but, as anyone with a garden will know, the last few months have been extremely hot and dry.
However, it is normal practice for us to start watering in August, and we knew that once we started doing so the turf would come to life and the racecourse would look like its old self again.''
The first race day is set to go ahead at the end of October.