Good to soft going predicted for Kempton on King George day

The going at Kempton was described as good to soft, good in places by clerk of the course Barney Clifford on Wednesday a week ahead of the 32Red King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Clifford, who expects the going to be maintained as good to soft, said: "It looks like we have a bit of rain to come, with the forecast suggesting in the region of 10-15mm. Friday looks like getting the worst of it, with showers also forecast for Christmas Eve but it should be bright and sunny thereafter."

The King George was won last year by Might Bite on soft ground and Clifford does not anticipate the going changing hugely from the current forecast.

"Overnight temperatures are set to be around 3C, with daytime highs of 8-10C. I'm currently giving it as good to soft, good in places after 8mm of rain last night. It always walks slightly easier straight after some rain and the rain we're forecast should keep us where we are, or maybe a little bit softer.

"I'd expect us to drift to good to soft rather than soft, but it could go either way. Kempton's a remarkable place and it can dry in a day with the right conditions but it should be perfect ground for everybody."

Ascot set for soft ground this weekend

This weekend's major action comes from Ascot, where the ground should stay clear of any mention of heavy so long as no more than the forecast rain arrives.

The forecast has changed quite a bit at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Speaking on Wednesday, clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "We were on the verge of having heavy places in Swinley Bottom this morning but there has been no rain since 9.30 and, having been out on the course this afternoon, it is just soft all over."

He added: "It has changed quite a bit. It was meant to be 8-9mm overnight on Thursday, but it's changed to 5-6mm. With a dry day tomorrow and Friday, an extra 5-6mm would leave us pretty much where we are [on Friday]. Much more than that and we may be at risk of some heavy places."

Stickels also confirmed that fresh ground would be opened up on the hurdles track between racing on Friday and Saturday.

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