New Year's Day Racing at Cheltenham Canceled

The New Year's Day card at Cheltenham Racecourse in England has been canceled after overnight rain..
 
Following a precautionary inspection at 10 a.m. Dec. 30 when parts of the course were found to be unraceable, another inspection was scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 31.
 
But, after overnight rain and the onset of more rain the morning of Dec. 31, it was decided racing for Jan. 1 should be canceled.
 
Anyone who has booked tickets, dining, or hospitality in advance will receive a full refund, according to the track.
 
"We have had further rain overnight, it is raining now and more is forecast," said Simon Claisse, the clerk of the course, in a release. "The course is waterlogged in too many places for racing to go ahead tomorrow.
 
"So, very sadly, we have lost a raceday for the first time since December 2008. We have been in talks with the British Horseracing Authority about whether the Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday Novices' Chase can take place anywhere else."
 
Cheltenham races next on Festival Trials Day, Saturday, Jan. 26.