“THE softest and the wettest I’ve seen it,” was the ground summary from Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels earlier this week when he reported that 134mm had hit the track since September 21st.

With the round course waterlogged, Stickels announced on Wednesday that three races - the Fillies & Mares, the Long Distance Cup and the Champion Stakes - would be moved to the inner hurdles course which is actually riding good to soft. However it remains heavy on the straight course and stamina will be at a premium.