Ascot: going remaining heavy, soft in places after 1.5mm of rain overnight

 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos), BY ANDREW DIETZ7:15AM 18 OCT 2014 

CONDITIONS will be testing for Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot this afternoon, with the going remaining heavy, soft in places.

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Following a dry day yesterday, 1.5mm of rain fell at the course overnight and more is forecast throughout the day.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: “We had 1.5mm of rain overnight which was less than forecast but we can get showers at any time today.

“I’m expecting slow and testing ground, which is what you’d expect with heavy in the description.”

A total of 43mm fell in 36 hours at the Berkshire track on Sunday and Monday, which turned the ground heavy early in the week. At that stage the course had already soaked up a total of 81mm this month which exceeded the monthly average of 79mm for October.

The course will be at its widest configuration with fresh ground – 7yds on the stands’ rail and 9yds on the far rail – saved for the meeting.

The six-race card, which features three Group 1s, starts at 1.45.

Saturday going report

Ascot: Heavy, soft in places