Kempton's loss was the homeless' gain yesterday. Following the abandonment of the meeting at the Sunbury track, caterers Ring and Brymer have donated the fresh food prepared for racegoers to homeless charities.

Spokeswoman Julie Cooper said: "We have sent our fresh food to London to be distributed to the homeless.

"We have taken the advice of the Capital Christmas Helpline about where to take the food, which we didn't want wasted."

Meanwhile, anybody who bought advance tickets for yesterday's card can obtain a refund by sending them in to the refund office at Sandown.