By John Hoskins

SALISBURY has lost the opening race of its card on Wednesday because of waterlogging.

The one mile maiden for two-year-olds has been abandoned because of unstable ground between one mile and the seven furlong marker.

The area has a higher clay content than the rest of the course and as it is autumn, the sun doesn't climb high enough above the trees for the ground to dry out.

"It is very sheltered," explained Jeremy Martin, the clerk of the course. "This is the first time this has happened in 16 years and there will be no knee jerk reaction to do something about it over the winter."

However he stressed the rest of the meeting is not under threat, with the remainder of the track riding good to soft.

The fixture will feature a seven race card, with the six furlong juvenile race and the concluding 1m 6f handicap being divided, and the first race has been brought forward to 1.50pm.