Worcester Racecourse's first two fixtures of the year have been moved to Hereford after winter flooding.

They would take place elsewhere on 5 and 12 May, with the track at Pitchcroft "needing further preparation time", the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said.

The group added that, while repair works have finished, recent cooler overnight temperatures have "slowed down the rate of recovery".

The race programmes for the fixtures 27 miles away will remain as originally published.

Worcester Racecourse's clerk of course, Libby Dennis, said there were areas of the track "that require further time to recover".

Parts of the course were still under water a month ago, she added.

"It's frustrating for the team and we understand the impact this has on all stakeholders, but ensuring the track is fully ready for racing remains our top priority," she said.

"In the meantime, we are very grateful to Hereford Racecourse for accommodating our first two fixtures, and we extend our thanks to all the team there."

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