RACECOURSE chiefs are battling to save Worcester's lucrative Irish festival night after abandoning tomorrow afternoon's meeting.

Pitchcroft is still flooded in parts, meaning no chance of any racing this week and a big doubt over next Wednesday evening which is scheduled to start at 6.10pm. With two meetings in a row now abandoned due to the neighbouring river Severn bursting its banks, it has cost the racecourse thousands of pounds.

Owners Arena Leisure have also had to cope with flooding at their Southwell track in Nottinghamshire.

Losing next Wednesday's Irish night, traditionally one of Worcester racecourse's most popular meetings, would be a major blow.

Hospitality manager Jenny Cheshire admitted: "The flooding has been devastating, both financially and for many other reasons really.

"The prices of tickets are more for Irish night and it is a particularly big occasion for us. We have people queuing up to sponsor it.

"The racecourse's casual workers are not here at the moment so people who rely on their income from here are not happy.

"Although the water's going down, it's still on the home straight and all around the car park."

Cheshire added they hope for a decision today on the prospects of next Wednesday's meeting.