Cheltenham warns Christie’s Foxhunter could be over-subscribed

Cheltenham Racecourse is expecting entries for the Christie’s Foxhunter to exceed the 24 allowed to run in the race and is warning trainers to check the elimination guidelines.

The guidelines state that priority will be given to horses that have run in steeplechases and hunter chases under rules.

And that horses that have qualified through point-to-points can run in a steeplechase or hunter chase up to and including Friday 12 March, to enhance the chances of them getting a place in the final field.

Cheltenham’s director of racing and clerk of the course, Simon Claisse, said: “We are particularly keen to stress the rules regarding elimination, as with a safety factor of 24 there is every chance that the field will have to be reduced to that number at the overnight stage.

“Trainers who have an entry which has qualified via the point-to-point route are strongly advised to run the horse in a race under rules to maximise the chances of being in the final field for the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase at the Festival.”

The race takes place on Friday 19 March. Entries close on 2 March.

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