Good to firm ground expected for opening day of Royal Ascot and clerk 'very happy' with conditions

Royal Ascot is set to begin on Tuesday with ground conditions described as good to firm, good in places, according to clerk of the course Chris Stickels. Ascot has received approximately 12mm of rain over the past seven days, and further irrigation is planned before the opening day, with temperatures forecast between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius throughout the week. Australian sprinters Overpass and Joliestar conducted gallops at the track on Friday, with riders reportedly very happy with the conditions.