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Hole in the ground sees chaotic end to Cheltenham’s Trial’s day card

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Sat 24 Jan 2026

The final race at Cheltenham on Saturday was run in near darkness and almost 30 minutes after the advertised start time after a hole, possibly caused by a collapsed drain, was discovered, leading to inspections and frantic reconfiguring of the course.

Horses were in the paddock for the Grade Two AIS Novices’ Hurdle when it became apparent there was a problem as ground staff did routine repairing of the ground, leading to much deliberation and jockeys returning to the weighing room.

While the previous race had also taken place on the hurdles course, no runners had appeared to take a false step – but television pictures showed a member of ground staff putting his arm deep into what looked a significant hole.

Nicky Henderson withdrew likely favourite Act Of Innocence and when the race was eventually run it was the Joe Tizzard-trained Kripticjim who passed the post almost as one with Taurus Bay, with the judge able to separate them after a tense wait.

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