All the latest news as soft ground leads to 18 non-runners at Haydock

Testing ground awaits today's runners at Haydock, with the going easing to soft, heavy in places following rain on Thursday. That in turn has led to a host of non-runners for today's card.

Eight millimetres of rain fell at the track on Thursday, with half coming after racing. That has changed the ground, which was described as good to soft, soft in places for Thursday's meeting.

As a result 18 runners had been scratched by midday. Keep up to date with the latest from the tracks via Raceday Live.

There are also meetings at Ascot, Newcastle, Musselburgh and Kempton and in Ireland, Down Royal and Kilbeggan.

Going report

Ascot (first race at: 1.30)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 7.7)

Newcastle (1.40)
Standard (AW)

Haydock (1.50)
Soft, heavy in places (GoingStick: 6.9 at 6.50am on Friday)

Down Royal (4.15)
Good, good to firm in places

Musselburgh (4.25)
Good, good to soft in places (GoingStick: 6.6 at 6.30am on Friday)

Kilbeggan (4.30)
Good

Kempton (5.45)
Standard to slow (AW)

Market movers

1.30 Ascot
Cloak And Dagger 4-1 (from 5)

2.15 Newcastle
Silk Mill Blue 14-1 (from 16)

5.15 Haydock
Nibras Galaxy 5-1 (from 13-2)

What to back

Paul Kealy fancies a well-handicapped sprinter meanwhile see what our experts around the country have selected in the Tips Box.

What to read

See which horse has Richard Spencer eyeing Group 1 glory and his potential Classic hope for next season.

And find out where superb Prix Morny winner Pretty Pollyanna will run next.

What to watch

Jumps trainer Harry Whittington talks through his team for the new season including Saint Calvados, Vinnie Lewis and Bigmatre.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Our team of football experts take a look at the best bets for the football internationals over the weekend.

Final thought

The rapidly improving What A Welcome will bid for a fifth victory of the season at Ascot (2.40). The Patrick Chamings-trained four-year-old has already improved 24lbs this season.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app