REDCAR Racecourse officials have expressed "desperate disappointment" that a second mid-summer meeting in a row has had to be called off due to the weather.

Today's seven race cards was cancelled around midday after the North-East was hit by sustained torrential rain.

Redcar's annual Circus Family Fun Day also had to be called off on July 23 because of a waterlogged course.

Amy Fair, Redcar's General Manager, said: "It is desperately disappointing and frustrating for everyone concerned that a second successive meeting in the middle of summer has had to be called off because of the unpredictability of the British weather.

"We were dry overnight, and were confident about being able to race, but the severity of the downpour in the past few hours has left us with no choice but to call the meeting off."

Anyone who booked tickets in advance for today's meeting will be automatically refunded. There is no need to contact the racecourse.