WORCESTER Racecourse has revealed a fixture scheduled to be held at Worcester later this month will move to a different venue.

Worcester was set to host racing on Friday, May 24 but a decision has been taken by the racecourse and BHA (British Horsing Association) to transfer the fixture to Hereford Racecourse.

The decision has been taken due to Worcester's racecourse experiencing "significant flooding" over the winter.

A fixture transfer has been agreed to allow Worcester Racecourse more time to prepare for the resumption of racing on Saturday, June 1 for the popular Ladies Day fixture.

Arena Racing Company's Managing Director, Mark Spincer, said areas of the track had been under water for a couple of months and had only receded in early April.

“Last winter was particularly difficult for a number of racecourses across the country, but Worcester Racecourse has suffered particularly badly," he said.

"Areas of the track were under water for two months, with visible water only fully receding in early April.

“The Grounds Team at Worcester have been doing fantastic work in repairing the damage to the track and removing the silt left by the floodwater, but have been impeded by the slow drying and poor growth conditions.

“We are grateful to our colleagues at BHA and across the industry for their understanding in transferring these fixtures to Hereford, which will allow Worcester sufficient time for further track repairs and growth.

"The weather has equally hampered the development of the new Weighing Room facility at Worcester, but we look forward to this being in operation from Ladies Day on 1 June.”

Worcester Racecourse confirmed it would be in touch directly with customers with tickets or hospitality bookings for Friday, May 24, along with Annual Members also.