Henlow racing manager Martin Race has defended the track’s decision to cancel the Sunday evening meeting at the last moment due to torrential rain.

He said: “The track was very very wet but we were confident that it was raceable. But as we prepared for the meeting the rain came back big style and I came to the conclusion that the racing surface simply wasn’t safe. I understand the frustration of connections, but it really became a welfare issue. I wasn’t prepared to take a chance. It’s that simple.

“We will now be staging the semi finals of the Maiden Derby in the first three races on Tuesday night and the final goes ahead on Sunday.”