Part of the hospitality area was damaged by winds

On Monday, gale force winds flattened a hospitality tent and blew over a starter's rostrum, damaging a fence.

Precautions were taken following the weather forecast, to protect vulnerable areas of the racetrack including the removal of the Guinness stand roof.

Prestbury Park will open its gates to more than 55,000 race goers later.

'Taken damage'

More than 5,500 staff will work throughout the four-day festival, where more than �500m will be bet on 25 races.

Speaking on Monday, managing director Edward Gillespie said: "The racecourse is 100% fine but we have taken damage elsewhere.

"It's all down to severe wind damage. It was quite substantial.

"We're now taking it hour by hour. I'm confident we will be opening on time and the races will start at 2pm."