Ascot to host bumper nine-race card featuring Denman Chase and Betfair Hurdle

The Betfair Hurdle and Denman Chase will be added to the original seven-race card – featuring the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase – after both were postponed at Newbury on Saturday.

This means reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Native River will be able to have one final prep run before defending his title, with an intriguing clash with King George VI winner Clan Des Obeaux on the menu in the Denman.

The latter's trainer Paul Nicholls said 'it is very good news for all' after the BHA confirmed racing could resume late on Monday evening.

The industry had been thrown into turmoil after three horses from Donald McCain's yard in Cheshire were diagnosed with the illness last Wednesday, with racing suspended from Thursday until yesterday (Tuesday) as authorities attempted to prevent a widespread epidemic.

The BHA have now deemed that successful and chief executive Nick Rust said: "We were concerned about the threat of this and the impact and disruption it would have on racing in the longer term if we didn't understand it fully.

"We have done several thousand tests since then, swabs from 140-odd stables from across the country.

"We're pleased it's contained to two yards and that, under certain controls, we can return to racing.

"We didn't want to take any risks with future race meetings, and with all known advice, we took the decision we did in the best interests of returning to racing."

The other yard affected was Simon Crisford's Newmarket base, but with the all-clear given, racegoers will now see some top-class action at Ascot.

Last year's Ascot Chase winner Waiting Patiently will aim to record another victory having beaten Cue Card last year, though he faces strong rivals in the form of Politologue, Cyrname, Top Notch and Fox Norton.

Tickets on the gate start from £30, while Newbury Annual Members will be given free entry to the Queen Anne Enclosure on presentation of credentials.