Worcester races have lost the battle to stage the first meeting of their season at Pitchcroft on Sunday week.

The recent flooding and the cold spell have delayed the grass growth on parts of the River Severn-side course.

And, following early inspections, the scheduled card for 6 April has been moved to Southwell.

It is another blow for Pitchcroft, where half last summer's racing was lost. A further review of the 23 April meeting will be taken on 11 April.