Ascot Goes Ahead After Last-Minute Inspection

The fourth day of racing at Royal Ascot has been given the go-ahead after persistent heavy rain forced a tense and lengthy eleventh-hour inspection.

Jockeys Ryan Moore, Frankie Dettori and Oisin Murphy were among those consulted on the conditions underfoot, along with trainers Ralph Beckett, Richard Hannon and Aidan O'Brien, who walked the track with a delegation of officials including Clerk of the Course Chris Stickells.

The running rail on the Round Course was realigned prior to racing and was moved roughly seven yards out around Swinley Bottom and around the turn for home, which ends with a cutaway.

The Friday evening meeting at Goodwood has however been abandoned after the Sussex track received 42mm of rain.