SOFT GROUND AT NEWMARKET

NEWMARKET RACECOURSES MEDIA RELEASE

After 35mm (just over 1 1/2 inches) of rain in Newmarket this week, the going on the NatWest Rowley Mile ahead of the two-day fixture on Friday and Saturday is SOFT.

Michael Prosser, Director of Racing, said: "We had double the amount of rain last night than the highest prediction I was given by the meteorologists, but the track has taken it incredibly well. I changed the going to Soft this morning and I have left it at that having walked the track this afternoon on what is a glorious sunny day.

"High pressure is now set to dominate until beyond the weekend, so we are forecast dry weather and plenty more sunshine. The ground will start to dry out, though only relatively slowly at this time of year, so I would hope for predominantly Good-to-Soft going by the time we start racing on Friday.

For Champions' Day on Saturday we will be on virgin ground, not used since May, which will help to ensure the best possible surface at this time of year for what promises to be a feast of world-class racing."

For more information, please contact Alistair Haggis, Newmarket's Press Officer, on 01638 675553 or 07884 026487, or Michael Prosser, Director of Racing & Clerk of the Course, on 01638 675504 or 07802 844578