BBC Sporthorseracing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 18:36 GMT, Sunday, 14 December 2008

Ascot could host Cheltenham race

The waterlogged course at Cheltenham
Racing at Cheltenham was called off on Saturday morning following heavy rain

The British Horseracing Authority is set to decide on Tuesday whether to reschedule any of Cheltenham's waterlogged card from Saturday.

The meeting was due to include the high profile Boylesports.com International Hurdle, the day's most valuable race.

Several trainers are keen to see the Grade 2 hurdle run instead at next Saturday's Ascot meeting.

Ascot spokesman Nick Smith told the Racing Post the course would welcome the opportunity to stage the race.

"The race will fit into our card, and Ladbrokes, our main sponsor on Saturday gave approval but we still have to check with BGC, sponsors of the Long Walk Hurdle on the card," he said.

Among the entries for the Cheltenham race was Binocular, trained by Nicky Henderson, who is the current favourite for the Champion Hurdle and this year's winner Katchit, from the Alan King yard.

Henderson has indicated he is in favour of the switch, while King would like to see the race run at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

"If the race is on Saturday at Ascot he will go there," said Frank Berry, racing manager to Binocular's owner JP McManus.

"It would be brilliant if they could get it on there. It's a top-class race so let's hope they can get it together."

Print Sponsor


see also
Imperial Commander romps to glory
15 Nov 08 |  Horse Racing


related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites