Andrew Cooper: 'we're good to soft right now but the ground could well dry out'

The going at Epsom this morning remains good to soft after an unexpectedly wet day on Friday changed the going from good, good to firm in places.

Nearly three times more rain than forecast fell on Oaks day with clerk of the course Andrew Cooper reporting 11mm arriving instead of the predicted 1-4mm.

Cooper said: "Things remain good to soft but it's certainly no easier than that and I would not be surprised if things did improve as the day wears on.

"It was still drizzling here at six o'clock yesterday evening so it really did take a long time to clear. It produced just under 12mm of rain but the conditions were dry overnight.

"The mist covering us this morning has now cleared and it is still overcast this morning but the forecast is for things to brighten up as the day goes on. I think the weather outlook today is really pleasant, getting up to around 23C."

Andrew Cooper: 'if we hadn't watered during the week it would have been firm, undoubtedly'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Yesterday, Cooper defended the week's watering strategy in response to some criticism on social media.

He said: "When I came in this morning the ground was on the verge of being called 'good to firm, good in places', and if we hadn't watered during the week it would have been firm, undoubtedly.”

Five yards of fresh ground in the last mile of the Derby course will be opened up by the removal of the inner rail on Friday night, with Cooper adding repairs to the ground would also be taking place.

Tickets are sold out for Derby day with the hill fenced off as it was for the Oaks. A Jockey Club spokesman said: “There will be in the region of 4,000 attendees on site for Cazoo Derby Day. Tickets at all fixtures are pre-book only and there are none available for tomorrow.

“The hill has been closed off in order to provide a secure site for racing and we are looking forward to a second day of outstanding action on the track."

Read more Epsom previews . . .

4.30 Epsom: 'Straightforward and uncomplicated' – will Bolshoi Ballet dance to Classic win?

Big-race analysis: what does Coolmore's one-dart policy say about this year's Derby (Members' Club)

Kieren Fallon on how to ride the Derby – and his idea of the winner (Members' Club)

3.45 Epsom: stopwatches at the ready! Tom Collins casts his expert eye over the Epsom Dash

2.35 Epsom: 'She's been flying at home' – Meade hoping Statement bounces back from the Guineas

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday