A provision has been made that will allow officials to move races on the round course to the inner track at Ascot on British Champions Day should the ground have 'heavy' in the going description at morning inspection. The previous rule stated that the inner course, which is normally used only for jumps races, could only be considered in an abandonment situation.
The course will be inspected by Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels as per usual on the morning of the race. If he gives “heavy” in the going description or indeed chooses not to do so in a marginal call, an independent panel will also assess the ground. The panel will decide whether there is heavy anywhere on the outer course, which would trigger the switch.
The inner track was used for the fixture in 2019, but went ahead as planned on the outer course last year despite conditions being very soft.
Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot, said, “Using the cambered outer course with wider bends is obviously the ideal on Qipco British Champions Day. However, following discussions with the BHA, there is agreement that racing on heavy ground, if it can be avoided, is best for the day as a whole. Importantly, we are not setting out to penalise horses that prefer cut in the ground, which more often than not will be the prevailing conditions in autumn. In all likelihood, when heavy is in the going description on the outer course, the inner course will still be predominantly soft. Given the potential sensitivity around a switch of surfaces in a marginal situation, Chris has recommended that an independent panel verifies his assessment on the day.”
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