Cheltenham set to make changes after cross-country row

Cheltenham have promised to clarify the route that must be taken by runners in future cross-country races after Irish jockey Davy Russell cut a corner on his way to victory on Dix Villez on Friday.

Russell steered his mount inside some laurel bushes after jumping the 22nd fence in the 3m7f steeplechase after seeking clearance from the stewards and was rewarded with a three-length victory on the Paul Nolan-trained nine-year-old, but the move has proved controversial within racing.

Former champion jockey Peter Scudamore praised Russell's smart move but called for racecourse officials to make the laurel bushes official markers.

He told today's Daily Mail: "Either the bushes must be removed or become the official markers, otherwise the credibility of the race will be undermined."

However, moves are already afoot at Cheltenham to ensure that the racing line in future cross-country chases is clear to both jockeys and punters. Simon Claisse, Cheltenham's clerk of the course, told today's Racing Post: "What is unacceptable is that the viewing public is unaware during a race about what is the correct course.

"We will do everything to make it clear to everyone what is the actual racecourse and, though this will now be under review, my recommendation will be that we insert an extra "C" (to indicate the chase course) marker that will prevent the manoeuvre that was made off the racing line."