The recent dry spell has hit next Thursday's card at Folkestone which will be missing a two mile handicap in a bid to conserve water.

The announcement by the Clerk of the course Andy Waitt in conjunction with the BHA Inspectorate will mean watering can be confined to the straight course as the abandoned horse race was the only one on its card due to be run on the round course.

Jon Pullin, group racing manager for Arena Leisure, was reported saying: "The Folkestone Executive wishes to reassure trainers that this change is a pro-active measure designed to ensure that they can continue to provide suitable ground for their forthcoming fixtures."

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©