Cheltenham Racecourse faced a challenging opening day of its second-biggest meeting on Friday, November 13, with nine horses withdrawn from races. Among these was Gidleigh Park, a second-favourite, due to concerns about drying ground. The official going description was changed from good, good-to-soft in places to good later in the afternoon.
Further disruptions included horses slipping on a bend and runners in the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle bypassing obstacles due to low sun. The track had also been affected by an unexpected overnight frost before Friday's card, making it impossible to water the course overnight without risking it freezing.
More non-runners are anticipated for Saturday's showpiece Paddy Power Gold Cup card. Dan Skelton’s Kabral Du Mathan was withdrawn on Friday evening, and Old Park Star is also doubtful for the 1.45 race.