Persistent rain has forced the abandonment of the Doomben races with two races remaining on Saturday’s card.

The track was rated a soft 7 when the nine-race program got underway but by mid-afternoon it had been downgraded to a heavy 10.

Chief steward Peter Chadwick said visibility was the major concern as misty rain and clods of turf kicked up by horses made it difficult for jockeys to ride safely.

After consultation with jockeys, stewards abandoned the meeting after race seven.