Royal Ascot is set to feature a more traditional summer ground this week, with watering efforts beginning on Monday. Clerk of the course Chris Stickels had hoped for more rain leading up to the event, but the forecasted amount did not materialise. As a result, five millimetres of water will be applied to the straight course in the morning, with an additional five millimetres to be added to the round course in the evening.
Stickels explained that the decision to water was made due to the dry forecast for the week. The going stick readings have been gradually increasing throughout the week due to the lack of watering until now. Stickels emphasised that the goal of watering is to prevent the ground from becoming too firm, rather than to soften it excessively.
The watering efforts are meant to ensure the safety of the horses and prevent the ground from becoming too firm for racing. Stickels expressed confidence that the amount of water being applied is sufficient and that concerns about the track being too soft are unfounded.
With five days of racing ahead and a dry forecast, Stickels stressed the importance of maintaining safe ground conditions throughout the week. By starting with slightly softer ground at the beginning of the week, the course can be kept in a condition that is safe for horses and competitors.