Conditions improve on inner course as rain stays away

Ascot has benefited from a dry 24 hours in the lead up to its lucrative Qipco British Champions Day fixture on Saturday, with the going on the inner course drying out to good to soft on Thursday.

Stickels announced on Wednesday morning that three races – the Fillies & Mares, Long Distance Cup and Champion Stakes – had been moved to the inner hurdles track as the round course is waterlogged.

The Champion Stakes, for which Magical is favourite, was one of three races moved to the inner track on WednesdayCredit: Patrick McCann

The ground on the inner course had dried out to good to soft (from good to soft, soft in places) by Thursday evening but Stickels suggested good ground could even slip into the description by Saturday if the track avoids the forecast showers.

He said on Thursday: "The inner Flat course is now good to soft. The going on the straight course remains heavy. We've just had 0.8mm of rain today and that’s all that has fallen since Wednesday morning.

"We had 3mm of rain yesterday morning but it has been dry now for pretty much the last 24 hours. It was about 9.30am when the rain stopped yesterday and we haven’t had anything since.

"We are, however, forecast some showers tomorrow and possibly on Saturday.

"Conditions are actually improving. One is always concerned when you’ve got heavy ground and rain forecast, but conditions have improved in the last 24 hours."

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