RACING at Worcester today has been abandoned due to a shortage of on-course water for the horses.

The track ran out of water for the horses after the opening Winterfold House Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

The baking-hot weather took its toll as one of the runners collapsed due to heat exhaustion.

The jumps fixture was put on hold while the track refilled its water holders.

But following a meeting between the stewards and veterinary officials, the fixture was called off in the interests of horse welfare.

Stipendiary steward Richard Westropp said: "Due to the excessive heat, and the fact that it was 85 degrees inside the racecourse stables, the horses were arriving on the track already dehydrated before they had run a race.

"The decision to abandon was a wholly equine welfare concern."