Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse was "fairly optimistic" yesterday that next weekend's first big meeting of the jumps season will beat the weather.

Heavy rain and high winds are forecast for the next day or so but Claisse said: "I would be very surprised if we weren't able to race at the end of the week.

"It is good to soft, soft in places and the course drains very well.

"I have been on to the Weather Centre and they have said there is heavy rain coming in today and early tomorrow morning, then there should be showers but dry spells as well.

"So I am fairly optimistic."

Cheltenham's three-day meetings starts on Friday, with Saturday's card featuring the £80,000 Thomas Pink Gold Cup.