Ground likely to ease with thunderstorms due

Ascot was preparing for thunderstorms on Wednesday evening, although how much rain they could bring before racing on Thursday varied appreciably from one forecast to the next.

The ground started and ended racing on Wednesday as good to firm, but that is likely to have changed by Thursday morning, according to clerk of the course Chris Stickels.

"We're due some thunderstorms tonight and maybe tomorrow morning is the impression we've got at the minute," said Stickels at 7.30pm on Wednesday. "At the moment it says it will be clearer by racing."

Asked how much rain might arrive, he added: "Anything from 5mm to 28mm has been forecast. Best guess would be somewhere between 5mm and 12mm overnight, but who knows?

"It hasn't rained yet, but it feels a bit overcast now and it's building up over northern France. I think it might arrive about midnight but we'll assess conditions in the morning."

Further rain is forecast for Friday, with a more settled day anticipated for the final day of Royal Ascot on Saturday.

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