Ascot inspect

Parts of the course at Ascot are frozen, putting tomorrow’s meeting in doubt and forcing an inspection at 7.30am.

Even the use of frost covers has been unable to prevent the track from becoming unraceable in places.

However, officials remain hopeful and with milder weather forecast on Friday night prospects for Saturday’s card, featuring the Long Walk Hurdle, are better.

“We are unraceable at the moment and there is some doubt about tomorrow’s meeting,” said clerk of the course Chris Stickels.

“We have got a partially frozen course.

“We had been forecast minus three last night but we did get down to minus five despite the frost covers which have been down since Tuesday.

“At the moment we are still unraceable and if get anything like the temperatures we got last night we have a slim chance. If the frost came out by 4pm this afternoon and with a minus two forecast for tonight, we would have a 50-50 chance.

“Friday night is supposed to be frost-free at this stage which means we are pretty confident for Saturday.”

The going at the Berkshire track is described as good, good to firm in the home straight.