Cheltenham organisers are still hopeful that they can rearrange this year's racing festival for April but if a suitable date cannot be agreed on the festival risks being cancelled altogether. At present, April 24-26 is viewed as the most favourable alternative option but if the meet is rescheduled for that week it will clash with the Punchestown Festival here in Ireland and the Perth Festival in Scotland.
Although Cheltenham organisers are hoping to hold talks with Irish authorities regarding the issue it is believed that the organisers at Punchestown are hoping their festival can still go ahead as planned, as long as the Government has lifted the ban on racing. Meanwhile, it has been reported if the Cheltenham Festival is cancelled for this year, it could lead to losses of up to £2 million. However, a spokesperson for the British Horseracing Board declined to estimate the cost of postponing or cancelling the festival.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
