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ROYAL ASCOT GOING REPORTS PLANNING & REAL-TIME WEATHER DATA
ROYAL ASCOT GOING REPORTS
PLANNING & REAL-TIME WEATHER DATA
Live weather data and track conditions will once again be available for Royal Ascot in 2022 through WeatherTrax Live available on Ascot’s website via https://www.ascot.com/ thegoing In 2020, Ascot became the first racecourse in the UK to publish live weather data via this innovative App developed by TurfTrax, which streams live meteorological data from equipment located near to the four-furlong marker on the stand side of the Straight Course. A wealth of information including rainfall figures for the past 24 hours and seven days as well as wind speed and direction and daily evapotranspiration figures, are all available in real-time.
Chris Stickels, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Ascot Racecourse said:
“We continue to have excellent feedback regarding the live weather data that was used by owners, trainers, jockeys, racing followers, punters, media and broadcasters. “The system has been in place for every raceday since Royal Ascot 2020 and once again people will be able to monitor weather conditions and check for Going updates remotely in real time during this year’s Royal Meeting. We hope it will be informative and useful for those enjoying the racing all over the world.”
Alongside the WeatherTrax Live data, from 7th June, daily Going reports will be provided combined with GoingStick readings coinciding with the timing of entries and declarations. Going maps, rail positions and irrigation information will also be available.
For Royal Ascot, GoingStick and soil moisture data is collected independently by TurfTrax. The first assessment takes place seven days before the meeting begins, then readings are taken four days, 48hrs and 24hrs prior to the meeting and on every race day morning. GOINGSTICK & MOISTURE READINGS PLAN:
TUESDAY 7TH JUNE GoingStick reading pre entries confirmation (reading by around 2pm)
FRIDAY 10TH JUNE Reading early afternoon
TUESDAY 14TH – SATURDAY 18TH JUNE Readings completed daily by 8am
The electromechanical GoingStick is used to measure 108 grid locations on the track including 72 on the Straight Course split across the stand, centre and far side. A further 36 measurements are taken on the Round Course.
The measurements are representative of forces exerted by the horse’s hoof when it is in contact with the ground. Additionally, a volumetric soil moisture content reading is carried out at 24 positions on the Straight Course and 36 on the Round Course.
The data is analysed each day by Ascot and TurfTrax alongside 15 years’ of historic weather and Going data to assist with irrigation planning if required.
