Racing prepares for sweltering midweek temperatures but rain possible at Ascot

Racecourses across Britain are preparing to face scorching summer weather over the next couple of days, with the possibility of a new record temperature for July predicted by some forecasters.

The temperature is expected to reach 37C in parts of Britain on Thursday, with the record high of 38.5C set in 2015 potentially under threat. However, the weather is likely to have cooled off by the time the Qipco King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes takes place at Ascot on Saturday.

The going at Ascot was described as good to firm, good in places on Tuesday afternoon with possible thunderstorms set to hit the course overnight, the appearance of which will determine whether – and how much – watering is done at the track.

Chris Stickels, clerk of the course, said: “It’s going to be warm here on Wednesday and Thursday and then we’re looking to get cooler and fresher temperatures of around 22C towards the end of the week, with possible showers on Saturday.

"If the temperatures are higher, we have everything in place for the horses with plenty of water available and cooling fans – we’ve run Royal Ascot in thirty degree temperatures in the past."

Courses racing during the week have made preparations for the extreme heat. Action takes place at Lingfield, Bath, Catterick, Sandown and Leicester in Britain on Wednesday, and officials are focusing on keeping participants cool.

Cooling measures will be in place for horses running this weekCredit: Patrick McCann

George Hill, clerk of the course at Lingfield, where it could hit 31C, said: "We've created more hydration points and we'll have a lot more staff in place to assist in cooling down procedures.

"We'll have plenty of ice available in an attempt to cool down the water and we'll be operating out of the pre-parade ring rather than the main parade ring as it has a lot more tree cover and is more sheltered."

Ice water will also be available to runners at Sandown, Bath and Catterick, where temperatures could reach 29C.

Fiona Needham, Catterick’s clerk of the course, said: "We've just redone our parade ring and we have self-filling troughs around it as well as hose pipes, so we're fairly well geared up on the equine front. I've just about bought Lidl out of water for the human side!"

Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards