Talking Horses: Royal Ascot must rethink after Saturday failed to fizz


Ascot signal that a ‘few tweaks may be needed’ after closing day of the Royal meeting provided an unattractive betting card

Expect another reshuffle in the Royal Ascot line-up next year. Last weekend’s Saturday card was particularly badly affected by the changes made for this year’s meeting and the indications from Ascot are that a rethink is likely before the 2019 fixture.

Nick Smith, Ascot’s director of racing and communications, has already admitted to the Racing Post that “a few tweaks may be needed” following the disquiet expressed about the closing day card this year, and with Hong Kong punters joining in the fun next year to create an ‘Ascot World Pool’ it is unlikely the course will want to put on an unattractive betting card like Saturday’s again.

Related: Worcester install more cooling stations as racing prepares to deal with heatwave

Carlisle 2.00 Lorton 2.30 Diva D 3.00 Paparazzi 3.30 Vive La Difference 4.00 Tor 4.30 Gavota (nb) 5.00 Final Treat

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