Ascot left in ideal condition for two-day Christmas meeting after 'helpful' rain

Conditions at Ascot have softened before its big pre-Christmas meeting after heavy rain on Tuesday, but officials are pleased with the shape the deluge has left the track in.

Around 15mm of rain fell at the Berkshire venue and the going was eased to good to soft, soft in places. However, with a largely dry forecast before the meeting gets under way on Friday, the precipitation left clerk of the course Chris Stickels happy as he bids to keep the track in optimum condition.

Speaking at 4.30pm on Tuesday, he said: "We've had 15mm and actually that's been ideal and helpful for us. We've got a largely dry forecast up until racing now. We might see a shower of 1mm or 2mm on Saturday, but that could be it. 

"It'll be just spits and spots and it was quite windy too beforehand, but the rain turned out to be really helpful to get us to that place where we're pleased with how the track is."

The meeting last year, including the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle, was cancelled when a cold snap caused havoc across Britain. The Long Walk was rescheduled to Kempton's Boxing Day card a year ago, but Stickels is thrilled that it will be Ascot's highlight again on Saturday.

He added: "It's a very different scenario to what we faced last year, and it's definitely a relief we don't have that again. We're really looking forward to what we have to offer over the two days."

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