Horses hosed down to beat the heat at Ascot

Horses are being given extensive watering at Royal Ascot, as the temperature is expected to increase further on the meeting’s third day.

It comes after Godolphin’s Star Safari was destroyed after suffering a serious injury on Tuesday.

Another three horses pulled up on the opening day, with Marshall Plan and Surrey Gold reported to have become overheated.

Temperatures at Ascot are forecast to rise to 27C (80.6F) today and will peak at 32C (89.6F) tomorrow.

Some 42,239 spectators have returned to the event this year, after the pandemic limited attendances in 2020 and 2021.