Ascot to reach finish line despite losing Trench

Ascot has since appointed Alan Erricker as core and shell project director. He is believed to have formerly worked for Bechtel as a project manager.

It is understood that the scheme has gone £15m over budget, to £200m, after extra work was added to it, including the construction of a second underpass. The structure, which runs under the race track to the heath where cars are parked, added costs of around £3m, according to an Ascot spokesman.

Trench, founder of project manager Trench Farrow, left the scheme in Summer 2005, citing differences with the client. His departure had cast doubt over whether the racecourse would be ready for the royal meeting, which will run from 20 to 24 June next year. The official opening of the racecourse will now take place on the first day of the royal meeting but the first racing is scheduled for 27th May.

The Duke of Devonshire, the Queen’s representative and chairman of Ascot racecourse, said: “The track has settled extremely well and been trialled. The Grandstand shell and core construction is virtually complete and fit-out work is well underway. The uncertainty is over and we are confirming our plans.”

Chris Stickels, clerk of the course at Ascot, added: “The development of the Ascot track is the result of considerable research and application over the last five years. The new straight mile surface, the eradication of the major crossings and integration of a new state of the art irrigation system throughout are huge advances for Ascot.”

The scheme has been designed by Buro Happold and HOK Sport. The contractor is Laing O’Rourke.