Racing: York gains from the rain

Many events which had to be called off at today's Middleham open day because of heavy rain will be staged instead at the World of Racing Show at York racecourse on 29-31 May.

Despite Middleham's problems, most of the 13 stables taking part there today will remain open beyond lunchtime.

Lambourn's open day, planned for today, has been postponed in its entirety due to concern over a respiratory infection, which can prove fatal to horses, in a local non- thoroughbred livery yard.