Cheltenham Races Threatened by Storm Claudia's Torrential Downpours

On November 15, 2025, a powerful storm named Claudia has hit Britain, bringing a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours. The heavy downpours and strong winds have caused widespread disruption, with the second day of the Cheltenham Races now under threat.

Cheltenham officials will examine the track at 7:30am on November 15th to decide if the planned afternoon of racing can go ahead. The course has already received 12mm of rain during the day, adding to the 7mm that fell overnight. With more heavy rain expected until midnight, the track conditions have significantly deteriorated.

Across the country, the storm has caused major travel chaos. Fallen trees have blocked train lines, while severe flooding has hit towns and cities. Power outages have also been reported, with over 400 homes in Swindon left without electricity. The British Red Cross has placed its emergency response teams on standby to assist affected communities.

Despite the challenging conditions, Cheltenham officials remain hopeful that the races can resume on November 15th. The forecast suggests the rain should start to ease after 1am, allowing the track to begin draining. However, the safety of racegoers and staff remains the top priority, and a final decision will be made early in the morning.