The second day was abandoned when high winds raised fears that the marquees in the hospitality area would be unsafe.

The event was due to resume on Thursday with the abandoned races added to the final two days' cards.

Managing director Edward Gillespie said green belt restrictions had affected plans for more robust structures.

'Greenbelt review'

"We're on the fringes of Cheltenham, it's a beautiful, beautiful site," he said.

"The greenbelt, as it happens, is up for review and consultation at the moment.

"It is a subject that we shall now take forward because it is ridiculous in the 21st Century that you lose a day's sport at the value that it is because it just blows a gale."

On the eve of the festival, strong winds flattened hospitality tents and blew over a starter's rostrum, damaging a fence.