This afternoon's meeting at Punchestown has been given the go ahead (first race remains 12.35pm) following doubts during the morning due to a heavy blanket of fog.

The stewards finally gave the meeting, which features the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, the green light just before mid-day after meeting a deputation of trainers and jockeys.

Fog still remains at the County Kildare venue but conditions are considered safe at present. The situation will be continually monitored throughout the afternoon.

The Grade 1 feature goes to post at 1.40pm with the field reduced to seven runners in the absence of Samcro due to the going.

The ground is described as heavy following 10mm of rain since declarations.