REDCAR has been forced to abandon its second successive race meeting at the start of the 2024 season due to heavy rain.

The abandonment of today’s seven-race card follows Redcar’s first scheduled meeting of the year, on April 1, also having to be called off.

Every effort had been made to making racing possible, with the British Horseracing Authority making changes to the programme, so that all races were staged on the straight course, avoiding waterlogging on the round course.

However, after heavy rain this morning, a precautionary inspection was called at 7.45am, and news that the meeting has had to be abandoned came shortly afterwards.

A statement released by racecourse officials said: “Unfortunately today’s race meeting has been abandoned. We are bitterly disappointed that racing is not able to go ahead but there is little that can be done given the amount of rainfall this morning. All pre-paid tickets will automatically be refunded within 5-10 working days.”

Redcar's general manager, Amy Fair, said: "It's been a really tough start to the season. We've had a weekend of glorious sunshine and the ground was drying up nicely. Today is a different story and the heavens have opened. We're so disappointed, but the safety of those taking part comes first."

The next scheduled meeting at Redcar is on May 2.