John Hales is hoping for a Cheltenham deluge as he chases a golden moment for Shropshire racing tomorrow.

Hales owns Neptune Collonges, one of 14 runners in the Gold Cup who will bid for the biggest prize in National Hunt racing.

The 10-year-old grey has finished third and fourth in past renewals.

And while Hales concedes his charge’s best chance of victory in the flagship race may have passed, he would welcome the arrival of forecast of heavy rain ahead of off time at 3.15pm.

“Realistically, I can’t see us winning the Gold Cup – but you never know,” said Hales, the Cosford-based owner of Golden Bear.

“If the weather changes like it is forecast to, and the rain comes in and the ground becomes soft, that would considerably improve our chances of a big run.

“My main hope is that he comes back safe and well because he has been a great servant for my family.”

Robert Thornton is booked to ride Neptune Collonges who is up against last year’s winner Imperial Commander and past champs Kauto Star and Denman.

And Hales will be hoping to end the week as spectacularly as he started it after his charge Al Ferof landed the opening race of the Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“That was a fantastic moment and that’s Al Ferof done for the season,” he added.

Elsewhere tomorrow, Shrewsbury jockey Richard Burton — twice a Festival winner — is set to take the ride on Gentle George in the Foxhunters.

And south Shropshire border trainer Richard Lee is poised to be represented by Cadoudalas in the concluding Grand Annual.

By JAMES GARRISON