THUNDERSTORMS prevented a racecourse finishing its card on the first day of the Bank Holiday weekend, but not before a local trainer romped to victory.

Cartmel Racecourse welcomed thousands of spectators from across the country for the Whit weekend, but soon they were all running for cover as the storm clouds broke.

Racing was officially abandoned shortly before 5pm after a course inspection which had delayed the day's main race at 4.30.

In the interests of safety and for the welfare of the horses, the final three races of the day were cancelled.

Before the rain, however, there was one win from the first four races for Cartmel's own James Moffatt when Munsaab, ridden by Henry Brooke, romped home to win the 3.20 steeple chase.

The meeting on Bank Holiday Monday is set to go ahead despite Saturday's downpour.

Jonathan Garratt, managing director, said: "A thunder storm and heavy rain brought a premature end to the programme on Saturday, after the vehicle crossing points became waterlogged and unsafe for racing.

"The crossing material has been removed and will be re-laid on Sunday. The remainder of the track has drained well and the official going is described as Soft, Good to Soft in places.

"No problems are anticipated and the racing goes ahead."

The first race is scheduled for 2.10pm with entertainment in the enclosures starting from 10.00am.