Ascot switches races to inner track for British Champions Day due to heavy going

Three races on Qipco British Champions Day will now be run on the inner course at Ascot after continued rainfall turned conditions heavy on the round track.

The Long Distance Cup (1.20), Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2.35) and Economics' clash with Calandagan in the Champion Stakes (3.55) have been moved in accordance with the meeting's race conditions, which states contests will be switched to the inner course in the case of heavy going by 8am on Thursday morning ahead of declarations.

Conditions on the round course turned heavy, soft in places on Monday after sustained rainfall and showers have continued throughout the week, with the straight course – where the Champions Sprint, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Balmoral Handicap will be held – and inner Flat course currently soft after two millimetres of rain overnight into Thursday.

"We've moved the round course races to the inner Flat course because, as per the race conditions, the going today had heavy in it on the other track," said clerk Chris Stickels on Thursday morning.

"We've had two millimetres of rain overnight but the forecast looks generally dry for the rest of the day. Through Friday night and Saturday morning we've got further showers forecast, with a current prediction of around six to eight millimetres.

"The going on the straight course and the inner Flat course is soft now and I think conditions will be mainly soft on Saturday too, given the rainfall forecast and where we are just now. Hopefully, the showers should clear up by racing."

This year's British Champions Day will become the third in the last decade to feature races on the inner course following King Of Steel's Champion Stakes triumph 12 months ago and Magical's win in 2019.

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