Cool in the pool as Prescott's team enjoy the luxury of a dip in 40C heat

Newmarket trainers took no chances with the heat by pulling out their strings as early as 4.45am on Tuesday after the highest temperature in Britain was recorded in nearby Santon Downham the previous day.

With a forecast of up to 41C in the region on Tuesday, most yards were in full swing at least an hour earlier than usual, with the target of getting their third and fourth lots home and hosed by 10.30am.

Even the event that gave the town its name, the Newmarket market, was called off due to the forecast, with temperatures reaching 26C by 4.45am and 30C by 7am.