RACING at Worcester was abandoned yesterday after searing temperatures took their toll on the horses.

The sweltering heat – which at one point reached just under 37C (100F) inside the stables – proved too much for the animals early on and the meeting was cancelled after just one race.

Many of the horses were dangerously dehydrated before they even reached the track, and one of the runners, Highland Laddie, collapsed due to heat exhaustion in the first race.

Water containers alongside the track used to cool down horses were already running low after the opening Winterfold House Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle and could not be filled up quick enough.

Clerk of the course Fergus Cameron believed it was the first time that a fixture been called off because of heat since racing on Pitchcroft began.

“These were extreme circumstances,” he said. “We did run short of water, but that did not have any influence on the decision to abandon the racing.

“Even before the running of the first race one horse was affected by the heat more than we would have expected.

“Temperatures inside were just under 100F at one point – and that was in the shade, without any breeze.

“The decision to abandon was taken after an emergency consultation between veterinary staff, trainers and course officials. It was really in the interests of equine welfare.”

At first, fixtures were postponed for staff to refill the water containers, but by 3pm all racing had been called off.

Mr Cameron said there will now be a full inquiry into Pitchcroft’s facilities.

He said: “We’ve been involved in summer jumping since the course inception and the facilities have always proved to be more than adequate. However we will now be carrying out a review of all our procedures and making changes if necessary.”

In a statement issued by the British Horseracing Authority, Professor Tim Morris, director of Equine Science and Welfare, said: “The length of time taken for the distressed horse, Highland Laddie, to be treated for dehydration, and the amount of water used, was exceptional.

“The delay this caused, coupled with the exceptionally high temperatures in the stable yard, meant the horses due to run in the following race were already becoming dehydrated.

“The abandonment of racing on the grounds of horse welfare was undoubtedly the right course of action.

“We have asked for seperate reports from both the stewards and the Worcester executive and our Racecourse Inspectorate will visit Worcester ahead of their next meeting on Wednesday, July 8, to see if any improvements can be made in terms of the availability of water.”

Worcester News weatherman Paul Damari said yesterday’s temperatures peaked at 30C (86F) and many people were affected because of high humidity and no breeze.

He predicted that today would be similarly hot, before temperatures start to drop over the weekend.

Anyone who had paid to go racing yesterday will be able to attend a future meeting of their choice.