Sulekha Varma, Racing Secretary for the Arab Racing Organisation that was set to host the eight race fixture, said rain was to blame.

"Unfortunately we have been forced to abandon our racemeeting at Market Rasen tomorrow, Saturday 6th September," she said.

"This was due to the significant amount of rain that has fallen in recent days and that is forecast for the rest of today and this evening which has left the ground unraceable.

The plan was for an 8 race card with six races for Purebred Arabian Horses and two for Part Bred Arabs, Anglo Arabs and Thoroughbreds.

The Arabian races were to include two qualifiers for the prestigious Jebel Ali Finals which take place at Warwick on Saturday October 11.

Market Rasen greeted the ARO jockeys, horses and trainers in fine style last year with glorious weather and an enthusiastic crowd and all parties were looking forward to repeating the event this year.

Here is the release from earlier in the week:

The RBM Agricultural Open Race Handicap over 7f sees the powerful Night Cap impossible to oppose even under top weight. A stylish runner he likes to lead the field and once he picks up pace it seems nothing else can get close.


However, former champion thoroughbred Fraternity ran well on his first appearance in 2008 and has the potential to lay down a strong challenge. Megabond has already landed a hatrick this summer, is particularly effective at trips under a mile and could put the pressure on in the closing stages.


The Royal Cavalry Of Oman Handicap Stakes over 2m is sure to test the stamina of every runner. Notid won well at Hereford last time out where he pipped Debrett by a nose. He is likely to go close again as this trip and track will suit.


Debrett won well over 14f at Hereford in June and lost out when giving Notid 7lbs last time out. He could reverse the form under similar conditions. Roches Du Cayrou, who was a good 3rd behind Prukamzan over 10f at Huntingdon cannot be discounted as he won over this distance last term.


The Jebel Ali Racing Club Handicap Stakes (Series Qualifier) over 1m will qualify all runners for the valuable finals which take place at Warwick in October. This looks like it will be a competitive qualifier. Maakar has been steadily improving this season with some good placed efforts before winning her maiden over 10f at Exeter beating Sakeena Sky Zayin two lengths. She disappointed on Dubai Day but could take this. Stablemate Secondwan ran well when 2nd to Prukamzan over 10f at Huntingdon and is improving all the time. Gazal won well at Hereford over 12f and then was a good 2nd to Final Fling in valuable handicap over 10f at Lingfield.

www.aroracing.co.uk or 01635 524445.