Uncertainty over ground for day three as Ascot waits to see if rain arrives

The Ascot ground dried out to good during racing on day two of the royal meeting, and it could get quicker or softer depending on whether or not forecast storms and showers materialise.

John Gosden will be among those hoping the rain stays away as he looks forward to seeing Stradivarius seek a third consecutive Gold Cup success.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "Thunderstorms are forecast tonight but they could be hit and miss.

"If we don't get any rain we could get some good to firm in the ground, which has been getting quicker in this warm weather. However, it's quite possible we could get those storms and then on Thursday it looks like showers are likely as well."

Royal Ascot's opening day was seen by a healthy audience on ITV, which reported an average viewership of 909,000, up on last year's 887,000 and well in advance of the 719,000 that tuned in when ITV debuted at the meeting in 2017. Marginally up was the audience share at 12.5 per cent, while the peak figure of 1,124,000 was just down on 2019's 1,186,000.

Russian Emperor (right) denies First Receiver in the Hampton Court Stakes. Ascot was obviously empty, but bookmakers reported good business on day twoCredit: Edward Whitaker

William Hill reported business in retail in Britain on Wednesday to exceed their expectations as punters return to betting shops during Royal Ascot week.

The firm enter day three of the meeting "very slightly in front", but they lost on day two after victories for favourites Tactical and Fujaira Prince in the last two races on the card.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: "Retail has performed well and above what we'd originally envisaged. The last two races on day two were very poor for us, but we go into day three very slightly in front."

Ladbrokes described business in retail as "solid" and feel it is all-square between the punters and the firm after two days.

Nicola McGeady, head of PR at Ladbrokes, said: "It's great to have the shops back open and our customers are playing their part with the social distancing in shops. It's only the third day back but business levels are solid.

"With three more days to go it should be an exciting battle between bookies and the punters."

Paddy Power and Betway reported a winning day on Wednesday and both hope the popular Gosden-Frankie Dettori duo of Stradivarius and King Leonidas fail to strike on Gold Cup day.

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