The first day of Ayr’s Gold Cup meeting has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

Nearly 10 millimetres of rain fell overnight at the course, with more forecast throughout the day.

An impromptu 8am inspection was called by officials and almost immediately the decision was taken to call off proceedings.

A precautionary inspection is planned for racing on Friday at 6.30am tomorrow with acting clerk of the course Harriet Graham confident racing will take place.

Iain Ferguson, Ayr’s head of public relations, said: “Racing has been abandoned today.

“There’s standing water on the track and with more rain forecast it is unlikely to clear in time.