Rita Ora pulls out of race meeting gig tonight due to illness

Rita Ora performs on the main stage during the 20th T in the Park music festival at Kinross (PA)

Pop sensation Rita Ora has pulled out of a live performance tonight.

The singing star was due to perform for around 8,000 race-goers at an evening race-meeting at Haydock Park on Merseyside.

But a statement from her management company this morning said: "Rita loves nothing more than performing live so is devastated that her doctors have insisted on her not performing this weekend.

"She hopes to see you all soon."

The 22-year-old London-based performer was just this week seen to be fighting fit and pictured training with boxing champion David Haye at his gym.

No further details were released about her sudden illness.

The evening's race meeting will still go ahead.

John Baker, regional director North West for The Jockey Club said: "We were extremely excited about Rita Ora performing at Haydock Park Racecourse where we have delivered two very successful racing and music nights already this summer, seeing Legends of the 80s and Madness performing to more than 30,000 guests.

"We hope that tonight's racegoers come along and enjoy the rest of their evening at Haydock Park where we have a fantastic racecard for what will be a beautiful summer's night where they can enjoy the atmosphere of our racecourse with their family and friends.

"We wish Rita a speedy recovery and hope to welcome her back to the North West in the near future."

All customers who have pre-booked full price tickets will be issued with an automatic refund of £12 directly into their bank accounts. Customers who have paid by cash and require a refund are requested to visit the Haydock Park Sales Office located at the racecourse.

The refund amount is to compensate for the live music performance element of the evening not taking place.

PA