when is Royal Ascot considered at risk from abandonment? I seem to recall the Sagaro Stakes day was moved to Kempton last month. would be hilarious if they did the same to the royal meeting.
Diamond Jubilee is on the last day of course so I would hope the weather might have turned by then, although who knows? We had a "Soft" Royal Ascot a couple of years ago didn't we? There were ground concerns prior to her 20th win - the RP article here I think she has won at least 9 times on what we would call "Good-Soft"
Thanks for that link Oddy. I extracted this from it: "Although she's never raced in it, I think she's won the fastest barrier trial run at Cranbourne on a heavy 10." Whatever that is.
Cranbourne is a Victorian provincial city. A heavy 10 is as deep as you can get here in Australia. I remember that piece of work, but have been trying to find it for the last 30 minutes. It was outstanding work in a quagmire. I've just been looking at the Newmarket forecast for the next 10 days. Just about all rain.
FAST 1 A dry hard track GOOD 2 A firm track GOOD 3 Ideal track with some give DEAD 4 Track with give, better side of Dead DEAD 5 Significant amount of give, worse side of Dead SLOW 6 A mildly rain affected track, better side of Slow SLOW 7 Rain affected, worse side of Slow HEAVY 8 Soft track, just into Heavy range HEAVY 9 Very soft, genuine Heavy HEAVY 10 Very soft and wet, heaviest category
It's pretty much rained all day here in Ascot, I just hope we get some decent weather soon. I always find it more difficult to pick winners on heavy ground*
It did rain for most of Royal Ascot a couple of years ago, which threw up loads of bookie-friendly results as the fast horses got stuck in the mud. As I do not bet when the ground is soft, I have hardly had a bet this year to date and I will bypass Berkshire if the weather does not improve and dry the track out. I still expect Frankel and Black Caviar to win but I will be keeping an eye on Southwell to see if I can spot NassauBoard avoiding the Royals.
I'm hoping we have some dry weather between now and Royal Ascot, the last thing anyone wants is another 1000 and 2000 Guineas day where the form looked practically worthless. Hopefully we will get good ground and good racing. The clerk of the course expects it to be on the soft side of good at the moment.
I would just remind anyone who enjoys racing not to waste their money in the Silver Ring. It's a disgrace. It's ideal for those who like expensive picnics, know nothing about horses, have no interest in horses, and like to drink a lot. And if it is still raining either wellies or carrier bags over shoes are essential. How they can charge £20/30 for that I do not know.
That reminds me. One year, when Dubai Millennium won, I arranged to meet my wife and daughter at the course. Spent ages parking, eventually got into the course (I think it was the Silver Ring when it had access to the stand). Couldn't see wife and daughter so gave them a ring. "Where are you?" said I. "In the course" was the reply. "So whereabouts?". "In the stand". "Wave then and see if I can spot you". No luck. After a while it transpired they were in the Grand Stand. "I'll get a transfer and see you in a mo then". No transfers allowed at the Royal Ascot. I would have to go out and pay the full price for the Grand Stand. Well **** that. "How much did it cost you to get in?" I asked. "Nothing, we just wandered in". "Where did you park?" "Right up near the course". "****. How much did that cost?" "Nothing" they said innocently. "OK well have fun, I'll see you back home" FFS. I wasn't bitter though. Oh no. Stuck in the poor man's area for £20 whilst they ponsed around enjoying themselves in the bloody Grand Stand, And didn't even pay to go in. It was a pleasant, long walk back to the car after wards though, unlike their short trip to the car. Fond memories that always manages to raise a giggle.............from them.
