'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.

Around 10mm of rain hit the track on Sunday night into Monday morning, which has eased the going. It is now soft on the straight course, while it is heavy, soft in places on the round track, over which the feature Qipco Champion Stakes (3.55) will be staged.

Races on the round course can be moved to the inner course, which is soft, 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:

'He has a big shout' - French ace Facteur Cheval fancied to put it up to Charyn and co in QEII with rain forecast at Ascot 

'He's right where we want him' - Economics delights William Haggas in key piece of work before Champion Stakes 

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

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