Adverse weather affected the Longines Challenge Cup for teams placed ninth to 18th after yesterday's opening round at the Real Club de Polo

A major thunderstorm and torrential rain made conditions impossible, the FEI claimed in a statement, with a cancellation decision made to ensure the safety of horses and riders.

"We had no choice but to call off tonight’s class," said FEI Nations Cup Jumping director, John Roche.

"But it was not an easy decision to cancel it completely as it has a knock-on effect on Division 1 for 2017 in the FEI Nations Cup. 

"Under the series rules, the best ranked Division 2 team at the 2016 Final will be promoted to Division 1 for 2017."

Spain will jump in Division 1 next season as they were placed 12th in yesterday’s first competition. 

Austria, 13th in the first competition in Barcelona, will remain in Division 2 for the 2017 season. 

It is not yet clear how much more impact the weather will have on other competition in the Spanish city.

An official inspection is due to be held tomorrow morning.