Going change on eve of Royal Ascot with temperatures expected to soar to 28C later in the week

Royal Ascot is expected to start on predominantly good to firm ground on Tuesday after the going description was changed on the eve of the five-day spectacular.

The ground quickened to good to firm, good in places (from good, good to firm) on Monday morning after another dry night.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels anticipated the change would take place after completing the main phase of watering in the build up to the meeting.

"We've changed the ground to good to firm, good in places and whether or not we hold this until racing, we'll wait and see," he said on Monday.

"It was a little overcast this morning but it's dry and we haven't had any rain for well over a week. The forecast is for it to be dry and warm through the week, and up to 28C by the end of the week. 

"We watered the straight course today with 6mm, and we'll probably put a spot on the round course to keep the moisture in. The plan would be to put a little bit on each night, with the idea of maintaining good to firm."

Royal Ascot: temperatures are due to rise throughout the weekCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Thousands of litres of water will be placed across all areas of the racecourse to keep runners cool in the hot weather.

Horses can be washed down and readily access water before racing, while more than 3,000 litres of iced water will be ready in the unsaddling area alone to help runners after competing.

Stickels added: "We have additional cooling facilities for the hot weather. We've got water at the start, a mobile bowser which holds 1,000 litres and can be towed anywhere on track, and 800 litres at the horse exit. 

"There's three misting fans in the unsaddling enclosure with 3,000 litres of iced water, with buckets, sponges and scrapers. For placed horses and winners we have containers full of water too.

"There's water everywhere, which is topped up regularly and topped up with ice. These are provisions that we have in place for hot weather, which we've had before. We've had days at Royal Ascot over 30C and we have a dedicated team of people there to help cool the horses after they've raced."

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