The first day of one of Cheltenham Racecourse's biggest meetings of the year has fallen foul of the weather.

In an announcement made just before 1pm, the Racecourse announced that the first day of the November meeting on Friday has been abandoned.

The announcement said: "After 37mm rainfall in the past 18 hours, very sadly we have had to abandon racing at Cheltenham on Friday 15 November as the course is flooded in areas as well as waterlogged in places."

A further inspection will take place at 3pm on Friday to ascertain whether racing will be able to go ahead on Saturday.

The statement added: "The weather outlook for the next few days is showers on Friday with dry days currently forecast for Saturday and Sunday."