The first five races of the 2008 Cheltenham Festival are in doubt, following news that Gloucestershire can expect gale force winds and heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday. Although weather is unlikely to interfere with the remainder of the 2008 Cheltenham Festival, the inclement weather may well have serious consequences for the 2008 Champion Hurdle race.

Although betting for the 2008 Champion Hurdle race is still open despite being suspended for the four other day one races, poor weather is likely to have a significant impact on the race even if it is run on schedule.

The majority of trainers who have made their way to the Cheltenham Festival did so in the belief that their horses would encounter good to firm going, and a rain soaked turf is likely to severely affect the prospects of several favoured runners.

Amongst the horses likely to struggle in heavy conditions is the 6/1 priced Harchibald. Trainer Noel Meade believes that an inch of rain will be sufficient to blunt Harchibald’s edge and keep him out of the race. The bad weather is a big setback for Meade, who has already had to withdraw another 2008 Champion Hurdle contender, Jazz Messenger, from the 2008 Champion Hurdle race.