Newton Abbot fixture given go-ahead

Today’s meeting at Newton Abbot has been given the all-clear following a precautionary morning inspection.

The threat of heavy overnight rain led officials to take an early look at the course but conditions did not deteriorate as much as feared.

Clerk of the course Jason Loosemore said: “We’re fine here, it’s a beautiful morning and we’re looking forward to a good day’s racing.

“We had some heavy showers yesterday that put the fear of god into us. They were pretty persistent and there was 7mm of rain overall.

“But it’s been okay overnight and we’re fine to go ahead, albeit on heavy ground with the second hurdle in the backstraight omitted.”

Today’s fixture features a first runner at the track for champion Irish trainer Willie Mullins, who saddles recent Galway winner Alvaniy in the Devondale Electrical Novices’ Hurdle.

“We’re very excited about that and it’s a first for us,” added Loosemore. “I’ve just seen him being led up and he looks well.

“Emmet Mullins sent Slate Lane over to win at our last meeting and this one is for the same owner, Paul Byrne.”