Windsor plunged into darkness as racing delayed by thunderstorm following extraordinary weather change
Racing at Windsor on Monday evening was delayed due to lightning in the area after an extraordinary thunderstorm hit the track moments before the first race started.
The weather was dry and sunny as horses went to post and started to enter the stalls for the opening 5f apprentice handicap at 5.08pm but by the time the gates opened the sky had turned grey and rain was lashing down at the Berkshire venue.
Stewards at Windsor paused racing before the start of the second race, scheduled at 5.40, for 15 minutes due to the stormy weather and the stalls were not used for the 6f fillies' novice stakes for two-year-olds, with lightning still a threat.
There was a false start in that race, in which three runners were making their racecourse debut, before Pink Satin surprised at odds of 11-1.
The storm passed through the area and did not interrupt racing further as dry weather resumed for the rest of the card. The going description of good was also unchanged despite the deluge.
Richard Kingscote, jockey of Pink Satin, said: "I'd probably say the ground is more good to soft now, the rain has gone down into it rather than sitting on the top. There's a bit of water in there now and it is what it is."
Times for the first two races over 5f and 6f were slower than Racing Post Standard by 4.87s and 1.2s while the 1m2f novice stakes was 8.05s behind the standard.
Read this next:
'The fire still rages in my belly' - Tom Scudamore prepares for a major midlife career change
Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME2023 to get 50 per cent off your first three months*.
*Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code ASCOT23.
First three payments will be charged at £19.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.
Offer expires 25/6/2023. Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.
Published on inBritain
Last updated
- Will we get an international winner at Royal Ascot? Analysis of the key contenders
- Leading players stand their ground at confirmation stage for Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot
- Confirmed runners and riders for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday
- Commonwealth Cup blow as Vandeek and Bucanero Fuerte both ruled out of race
- Rob Burrow's family make the trip to Thirsk to watch MND charity racing club horse Macarone
- Will we get an international winner at Royal Ascot? Analysis of the key contenders
- Leading players stand their ground at confirmation stage for Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot
- Confirmed runners and riders for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday
- Commonwealth Cup blow as Vandeek and Bucanero Fuerte both ruled out of race
- Rob Burrow's family make the trip to Thirsk to watch MND charity racing club horse Macarone