Despite the ferocious weather, officials at Down Royal were today adamant that this weekend's big meeting will go ahead.
Course manager Mike Todd said: 'There was never any doubt about it. We haven`t anything like the severe weather that has hit England and although we had heavy rain last night the course has been virtually unaffected.
'At the moment it has gone to soft but with the weather people forecasting dry days later in the week we expect it to be no worse than yielding on Saturday.'
The two-day meeting gets under way on Friday, with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble due to reappear in Saturday`s James Nicholson Ulster Champion Chase.
Trainer Noel Chance said today: 'Looks Like Trouble will travel to Ireland tomorrow. I`m giving him a gallop today. I`m very pleased with him. He`s in great form.
'The fact that the ground will be no worse than soft has come as some relief in view of the weather in England.'
Fellow British challengerCelibate was withdrawn by Charlie Mann at today`s forfeit stage for the big race.
Looks Like Trouble is one of seven horses left in the race along with last year`s winner Florida Pearl.
The latter`s trainer Willie Mullins could also run Micko`s Dream.
The remaining hopefuls are Dorans Pride, Fleur Du Chenet, Inis Cara and Rathbawn Prince.
