Ascot abandoned as torrential rain causes havoc

Saturday's six-race card at Ascot was cancelled in the morning after heavy rain left the track waterlogged.

Officials made the decision to call off the meeting after a 6.30am inspection, with around 40mm rain having already fallen since Friday.

Speaking on Saturday morning, Ascot's clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "At about 5.30 this morning we'd had about 36mm but with the continuing rain that's up to over 40mm since racing yesterday.

"There is water lying in the divots as a result of Friday's card and that's created false patches of ground as well as water lying on top. It's just made it unsafe. We've had far more than forecast."

Last year's St Leger winner Logician was due to make his second appearance of the season in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes, on a six-race card also featuring the £80,000 Challenge Cup handicap.

Ascot's next meeting is Qipco British Champions Day on October 17.

ITV had been due to show four live races from Ascot on Saturday as part of its coverage but instead announced they would show an additional race from Newmarket and four from Redcar.

Updated ITV schedule

1.40 Newmarket, Tattersalls October Auction Stakes, 6f
1.45 Redcar (now off at 1.55), Market Cross Jewellers Handicap (Div I), 1m2f
2.10 Newmarket, British EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap, 1m2f
2.15 Redcar (now off at 2.30), Market Cross Jewellers Handicap (Div II), 1m2f
2.45 Newmarket, Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, 1m
2.50 Redcar (now off at 3.05), Racing TV EBF Stallions Guisborough Stakes, 7f
3.20 Newmarket, British EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap, 1m4f
3.25 Redcar (now off at 3.40), William Hill Two Year Old Trophy, 6f

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