3 minute read

The going for day one of Royal Ascot 2020, Tuesday, June 16 is: Good to Soft.

Ascot's Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels said at 9.00am today: "We had some thundery showers up to around 8.00pm yesterday and we start the meeting on Good to Soft ground. 

"We have been limited with the amount of workers able to come on to site through March into April. Obviously, we have not had any racing and the last time the track was raced on was back in October last year, so it is in lovely condition.

"We were only allowed four people on site at any one time earlier in the year, so they have all worked very hard and have done a great job in having the course in such lovely condition. We start today on virgin ground. 

"It is great to be racing today and it is important for the sport. It is sad that we don't have the crowds here as usual. Nevertheless, we will see some great races I am sure and the sun is shining."

GoingStick Readings at 8.00am this morning:

Stands' Side: 6.7
Centre: 6.7
Far Side: 6.9
Round 6.1

Stalls:
Straight Course: Centre
Round Course: Inside

The running rail on the round course is positioned approximately three yards out from approximately nine furlongs out to the Home Straight. This rail will remain in place until after racing on Wednesday.

This adds the following distance to today's races:

14:25 +11 yards (approximately)
15:00 +11 yards (approximately)
16:40 +11 yards (approximately)

There was 10 millimetres of rain following thundery showers on Monday evening. It has been dry since 8.00pm. 

A warm day is expected today but with a risk of thundery showers developing. Similar conditions are forecast through the week.

Non-Runners today

1.15pm - Buckingham Palace Handicap
16 Lethal Lunch (Going)

1.50pm - Queen Anne Stakes
2 Bless Him (Going)

2.25pm - Ribblesdale Stakes
3 Born With Pride (Going)

4.10pm - Duke of Cambridge Stakes
7 Miss O Connor (Self Certificate, blood analysis not normal)

4.40pm - Ascot Stakes (Handicap)
15 Charlie D (Going)