Damp Ascot sticks to outer track as planned for Champions Day

Ascot will not use its inner course for Champions Day on Saturday, officials confirmed on Thursday morning.

The prospect of testing ground for British racing's showpiece day meant Ascot had the back-up option of using its inner track, which is not watered in the summer, for races on the round course - the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes and the Qipco Champion Stakes - on Saturday.

However, clerk of the course Chris Stickels reckoned that to be a remote possibility on Wednesday and it was confirmed on Thursday the action will take place on the outer track as planned.

The going on the straight course is described as good, good to soft in places, while it is good to soft, good in places on the round course after 4.5mm of rain from Tuesday afternoon to Thursday morning.

Conditions could, however, ease further with showers forecast up to and including on Saturday.

You might also be interested in:

Five horses who would relish testing conditions at Ascot

Poet's the word for gale-threatened Ascot after 'brilliant' workout

The incomparable Frankel bows out at the top with a brave 14th win