Rain hammers Cheltenham with cars stuck in mud as nearly 70,000 punters brave the elements on day one of the Festival

RAIN caused chaos at Cheltenham ahead of the first day of racing with cars getting stuck in mud and the course becoming covered in puddles.

Almost 70,000 punters will brave the awful weather to take in seven races on the first day of the Festival.

Poor commentator Hunt got his car stuck in the mud just 200m from the main entrance to the track
2
Poor commentator Hunt got his car stuck in the mud just 200m from the main entrance to the track
Punters will be wrapped up against the elements on day one of Cheltenham
2
Punters will be wrapped up against the elements on day one of CheltenhamCredit: Splash

But racing commentator John Hunt get off to a shocker when he posted a photo showing his car stuck in mud '200m from the main entrace'.

Already it looks like one race tomorrow could be lost, with an inspection called on the Cross Country Couse for 8am.

If the saturated track is not fit to race then that contest will be moved to Friday.

Trainer Syd Hosie took a video of himself walking the track before the first race - the Supreme Novices' Hurdle - at 1.30pm.

He was kicking up water as he walked up the home straight, the standing water clear to see.

It means the soaking ground could throw up some freaky results with horses who revel in the mud coming to the fore.

Sun Racing picked out five horses who should relish the mud - while Templegate provided his tips for day one here.

More to follow.

FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org