New hurdles which are designed to cause fewer injuries to horses and jockeys are being introduced for this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Until now the jumps have traditionally had birch on their exterior but this year foam padding will be used.
Clerk of the course Jon Pullin said it is hoped the new hurdles will make the course safer.
“Those courses that started with these padded hurdles in the early days – the vets that worked on those courses reported back they saw a lot less nicks and scrapes that you saw with traditional birch,” he added.
Video journalist: Maddie Simpson
