THE executive director of Hereford Racecourse is confident racegoers will still flock to the track despite having to cancel the first meeting of the new season.

Unseasonal warm temperatures meant that staff made an early decision to transfer Tuesday's fixture to Worcester because they felt the ground would not be safe to jump on.

Water supply is only provided by Cargill on a Saturday, although the racecourse are hopeful of being self sufficient next spring and be able to use their own water.

"We are working really hard to keep the feelgood factor but, although it was hugely frustrating for us to have to cancel the meeting, it was absolutely the right decision," said Rebecca Davies.

"The forecast last week was between 14 and 18mm of rain, but the forecast changed and suddenly it was going to be 21 to 23C between the weekend and Tuesday with hardly any rain.

"We get our water supply from Cargill but only on a Saturday because they need to use their production plant from Sunday to Friday.

"We had 40mm of rain in August and September, which is a significant amount, but since then have only had bits and bobs.

"Unfortunately we were beaten by the weather."

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 14 and is entitled 'locals raceday' where anyone with a HR postcode can get two for one tickets.