Racing: Ascot given the go-ahead

After four inspections racing at Ascot was finally given the go ahead just 30 minutes before the start of the first race.

A poor forecast forced officials at the track to hold an inspection at 7.00am but with the temperature still below freezing they were forced to look again at 9.00am.

And it was similar story at 9.00am so another inspection was planned at 10.30am.

Clerk of the course Nick Cheyne said: "We'll look again at midday. The hurdle track is still unraceable, the majority of the chase track is not too bad."

And after inspecting the track once again in the company of several trainers and jockeys the stewards passed the course fit for racing.

Cheyne said: "The sun has come out and so has the frost."