Newly-created inner track to be used for Champions Stakes at Ascot

Ascot will stage this year's Qipco Champion Stakes on a newly-configured inner course in order to ensure the best possible ground for the centrepiece of British Champions Day on October 15.

Running rails will be put in position to create a bespoke track, which will not have been watered through the summer.

The change will also see the start of the race move back approximately 80yards allowing for a longer run into the first bend, with potential reduction to the significance of the draw.

Nick Smith, director of racing and communications at Ascot, said: "Supported by the BHA, we believe that it is in the best interests of fairness and clarity to make this decision now.

"Changing the course at the five-day stage or at declarations runs the risk of upsetting connections, and indeed punters, by actively deciding to favour certain parties over others.

"Making the decision now means that everyone knows that the surface will, in all likelihood, be a degree quicker than might ordinarily be the case. They can plan accordingly from the start - the initial entry fee payment stage.

"Of course making a late call on which course will be used without any guarantee of what the weather might do, even at 48 hours, is not palatable - we had 30mm of rain in the 24 hours before last year's King George (good to firm became soft).

"We are confident that this decision not only offers connections greater clarity, but is in the best interest of the race itself."

Leading trainer John Gosden said: "I understand the decision taken by the team at Ascot and British Champions Series at the entry stage for the intention being to run the Champion Stakes on an Inner Flat Course.

"Having spoken to the Ascot course management, if the day is to continue to attract the best horses and following confirmation that the covers project is unachievable, this seems like a viable solution.

"It will be interesting to see how the course itself rides and I will definitely be taking some horses to Ascot to see how they handle it, nearer the time. I have previously stated my views on the draw bias that the Champion Stakes is currently affected by on the Outer Flat Course and the switch to the Inner Flat Course could help reduce it which is positive."

Ascot said there remains the possibility going forward that the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and British Champions Long Distance Cup could also transfer to the new inner track. However, slight distance changes would be required to produce ideal positions for their starts, which would need European Pattern Committee approval. This rules out the possibility of any changes to those races for 2016.

In the event of firm ground, with welfare paramount, the Outer Flat Course would be used.