Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie answers the key questions; CHELTENHAM 2008 Day Three.

Could this abandonment have been foreseen?

"We were aware all along that Wednesday could pose problems. When we left the course at 9pm on Tuesday the forecast was telling us potentially that winds would be gusting up to 50mph between 6am and 3pm. We hoped the threat would be downrated in the morning so everything would be okay."

Who called it off and why?

"If ever there was a group decision, this was it. All we had to do was accept the evidence that we could not provide a safe environment for the racegoers. We concurred with the expert advice. Many of our temporary structures cannot be occupied when winds gust at 50mph. In those conditions we could not invite people on to the site because we could not guarantee their safety."

Why were people not informed of the problem earlier?

"On Tuesday evening we needed an improvement in the conditions. We felt there was sufficient time in the morning and we were still being optimistic that conditions would improve, as they had done from Monday to Tuesday. Our experience of forecasting is that you get more certainty as you get closer."

Could the meeting have taken place without spectators in the affected area?

"You couldn't ask people to arrive and not let them in. There was so much loose material flying around that there was no safe area apart from indoors. The winds were coming from a westerly direction, which was taking any damage and debris towards the racecourse. No way could you run a race meeting without opening the gates."

How will you cope with the extra capacity?

"We have increased capacity from 55,000 to 65,000 for the Thursday, the same as Gold Cup day. Yesterday we sold 2,500 on the door and we expect a similar number tomorrow. We would need an enormous amount more people, over and above what we expect, to get close to 65,000. We are confident you will get in if you come here. Hopefully there will be as little disruption as possible."

How much will the abandonment cost?

"I can't put a figure on it. We have an insurance programme in place, the vagaries of which are still to be discussed. In terms of cost, we hope the next two days will help offset some of the loss."

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Edward Gillespie faces the press at Cheltenham yesterday