WITH so many trainers now coming out as ‘not opposed’ to a five-day Cheltenham the pendulum seems to be swinging more towards taking into account the financial value to racing of a fifth day. Just find two more races, despite the prospect of that taking away from the competitiveness of the ‘Olympics’ of jump racing.

A latest suggestion, after the mares’ chase, is to add a two and a half mile Grade 1 for hurdlers. We have the Ryanair Chase as an accepted Grade 1 for chasers. That race doesn’t affect the Champion Chase or the Gold Cup is the argument.