'It's quite likely we'll end up on the inner course' - Ascot considers round-track switch for British Champions Day

Forecast heavy rain means it is "quite likely" some of the action on Saturday's Qipco British Champions Day will be switched to the inner track, with a decision set to be made as early as possible. 

On Sunday afternoon, the going on the straight course was good to soft, soft in places, but it was slightly more testing on the round course, which was officially described as being soft, good to soft in places.

Races on the round course can be moved to the inner course, which was good to soft, soft in places, if heavy appears in the going description by 8am on Thursday, the morning declarations are made. Following that stage, round-course races switch to the inner course only if it becomes, or is likely to become, unsafe to race on, with a decision taken no later than 8am on the day of racing. 

"The forecast is unsettled," said clerk of the course Chris Stickels on Sunday. "We're expecting showers and rain tomorrow, heavy showers on Wednesday and quite a bit of rain on Friday afternoon and night into Saturday morning. The totals at the moment could be between 25-30mm through the week. It wouldn't take much for heavy to come back into the going description on the round course. 

"Given the volume of rain forecast, I'd suggest it's quite likely we'll end up on the inner Flat course on Saturday. Given the rain forecast tomorrow and Wednesday, we'll hopefully be able to make that decision first thing on Thursday morning. Forecasts can change, but at the moment that's the impression we've got."

Read more here on Champions Day

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Sun Chariot heroine Tamfana set for quick Champions Day return as David Menuisier readies talented Ascot squad 

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