Hundreds of people heading to the opening day of Cheltenham Festival have seen their journeys disrupted by a trespass incident – just hours before the first race.
With more than 50,000 expected at Champion Day, many have chosen to take the train, with Great Western Railway services from Bristol packed with racegoers.
However, several services from 10am faced a hold up, with a trespass incident blocking all lines of the track near Gloucester.
In a statement to passengers, National Rail said: A trespass incident in the Gloucester area means that all lines are blocked. As a result, trains running through Gloucester may be cancelled, delayed by up to 25 minutes or revised.”
National Rail said disruption was expected until 12.30pm.
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The train announcer on one GWR service told passengers at just before 11am that the trespasser had been apprehended by Bristol Transport Police.
However, there is still a queue of services waiting to arrive at Cheltenham Spa.
Once racegoers get to the station, they can either take the 45-minute walk to Prestbury Park, or take one of the dozens of buses put on specially for the event, with return tickets costing £10.
The first race at Champion Day is the 1.20pm Supreme Novice race.
This year, the organisers The Jockey Club are hoping to end a trend of falling attendance numbers with changes including a fall in the price of a pint of Guinness and the opening of more outdoor areas for drinking.
Also, on Wednesday, Ladies Day will return after a three-year absence.
