RACE NIGHT: Cheltenham’s season comes to a close | Race Report

Race action for the 2020/21 campaign ceased at Cheltenham on Friday evening following the conclusion of Race Night, in an emotional evening that paid tribute to the late Lorna Brooke who sadly passed away in April.

Tom Ellis landed the opener with Fumet D’oudairies, while Bradley Gibbs secured a double with his only two runners on the card as Captain Mcginley and Highway Jewel were both victorious.

In the Lorna Brooke Open Hunters’ Chase, Fergal O’Brien’s Captain Cattistock made almost every yard of the four-mile trip under Albi Tufnell.

Marcle Ridge, once sixth behind the likes of Billaway, Minella Rocco and Shantou Flyer in the St James’s Place at the Festival, exacted that level of form with a win in the curtain closer under Thomas O’Brien for Lucy Smith.

Monbeg Chit Chat, formerly of Gigginstown House Stud and Henry De Bromhead, also registered success on the night, as did Trio For Rio for Clive Boultbee-Brooks.

Friday’s card brought a conclusion to a campaign like no other at Prestbury Park, with the only crowds seen on-site in December for the International Meeting.

2,000 racegoers were welcomed to the track on both days, but every other day across the season which hosted race action has been behind-closed-doors.

Crowds are set to return in October for The Showcase, however, with coronavirus restrictions, including social distancing and wearing of face coverings, set to be lifted in June.