Ascot to use outer track for Champions Day

Ascot's regular Flat-racing track will be used on Qipco Champions Day, clerk of the course Chris Stickels said in a statement.

There was the alternative of using the inner circuit, on which jumps racing is usually staged, if conditions deteriorated markedly before declaration time on Thursday morning.

But Stickels said: "With no appreciable rain overnight and a forecast suggesting only showers until Saturday, round course racing will take place as normal on the regular outer track. The inner track will not be used.

"Only in the event of 'heavy' appearing in the going description pre-declarations or the expectation of such on Saturday would the switch have been made as per advertised at the time of races closing and subsequently.

"Showers are forecast this morning and overnight to Friday, further showers are expected Friday night through Saturday when high winds are also forecast."

The going on the straight course at Ascot is good, good to soft in places. The round course is good to soft, good in places.

You can watch all the action from Champions Day live on ITV.

The Opening Show is on ITV4 at 9:30am and live racing will be on ITV from 1:00pm.