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Cheltenham racecourse has identified the ‘most likely cause’ of the hole in the track which significantly delayed the last race on Saturday. The track began an investigation after an area of false ground emerged at the top of the home straight.

When the issue emerged racecourse stewards took evidence from the clerk of the course Jon Pullin plus jockeys Gavin Sheehan, the riders’ safety officer, Danny Mullins, Nico de Boinville, Sean Bowen and trainers Nicky Henderson, Ben Pauling and Olly Murphy over whether the last race should go ahead.

It was decided to bypass the affected area with the railings being realigned and after the alterations were made an inspection party was satisfied with the ground conditions and the race went ahead nearly half an hour late.

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With the race being completed in fading light there was further drama as it was difficult to make out the photo-finish print after the first two horses crossed the line just a short head apart.

Pullin accepted the situation was ‘not ideal’ and on Monday the racecourse issued a statement on the cause of the hole.

“Cheltenham Racecourse tonight issues the following statement in relation to a hole in the track found in the home straight before the final race of the day on Saturday,” the statement said.

“This resulted in an inspection and the movement of a section of rail to by-pass the area of track to allow Race 8 to take place after a delay.”

Pullin said: “Over the past 48 hours, an investigation has been underway to determine the cause of the hole that appeared in the track ahead of our final race on Saturday.