Ascot to inspect again at 11am

Today's meeting at Ascot has survived a 7.30am inspection, although course officials must assess conditions again at 11am.

Overnight temperatures of around -4C were offset by the track being protected by frost covers.

Clerk of the course Chris Stickels has still called for a second inspection once the covers are removed at around 8.30am.

He said: "The second inspection is purely precautionary.

"We need to start taking the covers off and daytime temperatures are due to remain close to freezing.

"We have passed the 7.30am inspection, though, as the course is raceable beneath the covers."