Irish Racing Called Off: It was one of the last remaining Sporting Fixtures, however on Tuesday the Irish Government made the decision to impose more restrictions on movement and Irish Racing had to stop.
It will come as a big blow to the Irish Racing industry who has been doing an excellent job behind closed doors, but public health and safety must come first.
Speaking at a press conference, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that no social gatherings of no more than four people are allowed, unless all are from the same household.
He also said that all non-essential retail outlets will close to members of the public, and other retail outlets are to implement physical distancing and that all sporting events are cancelled including those behind closed doors.
The HRI had been in constant contact in the Irish government as they continued to race behind closed doors, but the new measures gave them no option but to cancel all racing.
Clonmel’s seven race card on Tuesday will be the last meeting until April 19th at the earliest and the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse will be lost unless it is moved. Given the situation around the world – it hardly seems plausible at the moment to give a new date and the end of season Punchestown meeting must be in doubt too. For the moment, we can only stay safe and await news.
