Race against time as Cheltenham gets a facelift

Cheltenham Racecourse is almost ready to open it's gates for the first time since construction work began on the £45m redevelopment.

It won't be completed before the 2016 Festival, but this time next week 30,000 racegoers will descend on a radically altered Prestbury Park for the opening meet of the jump season.

Before racing can begin, it's a race against time.

250 pairs of hands working around the clock to get the world's premier race course ready for business.

Some familiar old faces - Best Mate and Arkle have been moved into new positions.

Spectators will have new concourses and viewing areas to take in the parade ring.

They'll spend less time in queues thanks to more bars and over 200 new toilets.

When finished, this long overdue facelift should transform a dated spectator facility into a more spacious amphitheatre.

The weighing room has been completely rebuilt - with solar panels on the roof.

And plans also include improvements for owners and trainers.

Jockeys and other race day regulars will certainly be in for a very big surprise.

Watch the full report by Matthias Kurth here: