Ascot reveal inner-track option for Qipco Champion Stakes

Ascot is considering the possibility of running this year's Qipco Champion Stakes on a newly-configured inner course, on turf that has not been watered during the summer.

Other options are known to have been explored by clerk of the course Chris Stickels and his team, but the creation of a new course is the preferred option.

"We have undertaken extensive research in an effort to ensure we are running British Champions Day on the best possible ground available," said Stickels.

"Last year the existing outer Flat course was good to soft, soft in places. We also walked the area we are now thinking of using for the Champion Stakes and it was good, good to firm in places. Subsequent readings suggest we will see something similar."

As a result of the announcement, Ascot is no longer looking into the possibility of rain covers for the track.

Nick Smith, director of racing and communications at Ascot, added: "As is widely known, Ascot, Qipco and British Champions Series have looked into the possibility of using rain covers, and indeed built a section of polytunnel in Poland.

"We have concluded that these are not viable given that they would take a significant amount of time to erect and take down and any rain during the latter process would likely produce inconsistencies of going and damage to the track.

"We would not be protected against rain during and after the removal of the covers. By way of example, on the Friday prior to the 2015 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the ground was good to firm. However, following 35 millimetres of rain overnight, the race went off on soft. There are also potential drainage and waterlogging issues."

Initial entries for the Champion Stakes close on August 2 and Ascot will be in a position to either state an intention to run the race on the inner course, or confirm whether a decision will be made closer to the race.

David Redvers, representing Qipco, said: "From the outset, Qipco has worked closely with both Ascot and British Champions Series to realise its ambitions for British Champions Day.

"With £4.2 million in prize money on offer, we are always looking to innovate and improve the day and we believe that the inner Flat course option has the potential to further improve the quality of the Qipco Champion Stakes."

It is possible the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and British Champions Long Distance Cup could also transfer to the inner course in the future, but slight distance changes would be required to produce ideal positions for their starts.

Such alterations would need European Pattern Committee approval, which rules out the possibility of any changes to those races for 2016.