A MAJOR horse-racing event in Co Down has been postponed after this week's heavy rain left standing water on the course.
The Ladbrokes Festival of Racing was due to be held at the Down Royal Racecourse outside Lisburn on Friday and Saturday.
However, fears that the nearby River Lagan could continue to rise amid further rain have forced organisers to delay the event for a week.
The racetrack saw over 25mm of rainfall on Tuesday night into Wednesday, and it is feared that rising waters in the Lagan would prevent the water on the track from subsiding into the river.
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Course clerk Tracey O'Meara said the decision to postpone the event, which attracts hundreds of racing fans and features competitions for 'best dressed' spectators, was taken following consultation with the Department for Infrastructure's rivers agency.
She told the Racing Post that the “difficult decision” was made as it was unlikely the course would be ready in time following the deluge.
"We were giving the meeting every chance but have made the decision at the earliest possible opportunity with the industry and public in mind,” she said.
The rescheduled festival will now take place on November 10 and 11, and all tickets sold for the postponed dates will remain valid.
