Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot is expected to take place on soft ground this Saturday, with a switch to the inner course likely for the three races on the round track. After 10 millimetres of rain fell from Sunday night into Monday, the going was listed as soft on the straight course and heavy, soft in places, on the round course.
According to the meeting's conditions, if the going on the round course is still described as "heavy" by 8 a.m. on Thursday, the races will be moved to the inner course, which is currently listed as soft. With up to 25mm more rain forecast before raceday, this switch seems increasingly probable—a similar situation to last year.
Clerk of the course Chris Stickels commented, "The forecast is unsettled, with heavy showers expected throughout the week and into Saturday morning. The round course is now heavy, soft in places, and given the rain expected, it’s quite likely we’ll move to the inner course."
Stickels emphasised that the team will aim to make a decision as soon as possible to ensure clarity for everyone involved. "Forecasts can change, but this is the current impression," he added.