The British Horseracing Authority said on Wednesday that "it sees no need for a contingency plan in case unraceable ground forces the abandonment of the British Champions Day card at Ascot on Saturday, although more rain arrived at the Berkshire track during the day and the forecast until the weekend remains unsettled," according to Greg Wood of the London GUARDIAN. Champions Day "is the richest card in British racing, with three Group One events including the QIPCO Champion Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and prize money" which will exceed £4M ($6M) for the first time this year. BHA spokesperson Robin Mounsey said, “Specific, detailed contingency plans would be developed only when the situation reaches a stage where abandonment is a genuine possibility. We are in constant contact with the racecourse on this matter so we can monitor the situation and act accordingly.” Ascot Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels reported that "further rain had arrived at the track." Stickels: “I changed the ground to soft, heavy in places [from heavy] this afternoon but since then it has started raining again" (GUARDIAN, 10/15).
