The Official Going is the description of underfoot conditions experienced by a horse on the racecourse.

There are seven categories used to describe the conditions as required by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA): Heavy, Soft, Good to Soft, Good, Good to Firm, Firm and Hard.

Since March 31st 2007 every turf racecourse in the UK has been required by the BHA to publish a TurfTrax GoingStick reading alongside the Official Going description.

Developed by TurfTrax in conjunction with Cranfield University the GoingStick scientifically measures 'penetration' and 'shear' the two forces exerted by the horses hoof when in contact with the ground.

A series of points are tested around the course and an overall average reading is calculated. At Ascot an average reading is usually published for the Straight and Round courses for Flat racing and for the Hurdle and Chase courses for National Hunt racing.

The GoingStick uses a measurement scale ranging from 1-15 and in simple terms the lower the number the softer or slower the ground is and the higher the number the firmer or faster the ground is.

The GoingStick has been used at Ascot since 2003 and as well the average reading a 'Going Map' is produced indicating any variability in going conditions around the racecourse.

The Going report is usually available from seven days prior to each race meeting and is updated regularly.

How the measurements become the going result:

READING TAKEN	GOING ASSESSMENT
1	HEAVY
	SOFT
	GOOD TO SOFT
	GOOD
	GOOD TO FIRM
	FIRM
15	HARD

On the Going Report you will see an Index reading, this is the 'going result' after the software has processed all of the 116 waypoints. Alongside the official going other information may be given such as 'watering'.

Click Here to see the latest Going Map, GoingStick readings and weather forecast for Ascot provided by TurfTrax.