WORCESTER abandoned their final two races yesterday due to unsafe ground after water from drains swept onto the course.

"During the running of the fifth race, the tops of three manhole covers in the centre of the course blew off," said clerk of the course Fergus Cameron.

"The water was just running onto the racing track. Those manholes cover drains and there was up to six inches of surface water on the ground.

"There was insufficient room to doll out a sufficient racing line to continue with the last two races.

"The decision was therefore taken to abandon. It's very disappointing. We will be in touch with Severn Trent Water early this morning."

Worcester's next meeting is scheduled for Saturday.

Results, 2.20pm: Itsmyboy (IRE), TJ Murphy, D Pipe, 6/5 f; 2 Highglen (IRE) TJ O'Brien, P Bowen, 4/1; 3 Tanners Court, Miss C Dyson, Miss C Dyson, 6/1. Nine ran; 2.50pm: 1 Autograph, M O'Connell, Mrs SJ Smith, 7/1; 2 Jaunty Flight, T Doyle, BJ Eckley, 12/1; 3 Mialyssa, Gerard Tumelty, MR Bosley, 20/1. 17 ran; 3.20pm: 1 Incorporation, D Laverty, Mrs L Williamson, 11/1; 2 Karoo, Gerard Tumelty, K Bishop, 10/1; 3 Sahara Legend, D Elsworth, Jonjo O'Neill, 5/1. Seven ran; 3.50pm: 1 Pocket Too, K Tobin, M Salaman, 9/2; 2 Cottingham (IRE), T Doyle, R Lee, 15/8 f; 3 Dune Raider (USA), JM Maguire, C Llewellyn, 5/2. Six ran; 4.20pm: 1 Green Finger, TJ O'Brien, P Bowen, 7/2; 2 Nippy Des Mottes (FR), Mr N Scholfield, PF Nicholls, 9/2; 3 Ross Comm, D O'Meara, Mrs S J Smith, 2/1 f. Seven ran.