Clerk of the course Chris Stickels has warned stormy conditions could have an effect on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The Berkshire circuit was hit by torrential rainfall last week although a period of dryer weather over the last few days has allowed ground conditions to improve.
“It’s beautiful ground right now,” Stickels told Sky Sports Racing. “We’ve got good ground on the straight course and good, good to soft in places on the round course. “It’s a drying day today, with bright sunshine and a nice breeze. I can see it drying further before the first race.
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“This track drains incredibly well and I’m very pleased with how it’s coped with last week’s rain.” However, there is an added complication for Stickels as more rain has been forecast for Tuesday afternoon and there is even the potential for some thunderstorms.
“The unfortunate thing is we’re forecast a bit of rain on Tuesday afternoon – thunderstorms are forecast,” Stickels added. There are a number of big races scheduled for the opening day of Royal Ascot, including the St James’s Palace Stakes and the Queen Anne Stakes.
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