Officials at Sandown have abandoned today's meeting at the Esher course. A lengthy inspection revealed that the hurdle course was unfit for racing.

A further inspection will be held at 7.30 a.m. today to decide whether tomorrow's hurdle races, including the £55,000 William Hill Hurdle, can take place.

If not tomorrow's fixture will consist of an all-chase card with today's three chases being added to tomorrow's card.

Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said: "We've not given up at this stage on hurdling for Saturday."