We had the sad update that racing would be cancelled earlier this week.
After initially saying it would take part behind closed doors due to coronavirus. Realistically this is for the best. Just a shame especially with the big meetings coming up.
Irish racing first announced that they'd be racing behind closed doors. The first meeting being Dundalk. The images from the racecourse make it look like a ghost town. This was followed by Kelso. It was thought that all racing would be like this, instead, it has been closed down.
It's uncertain as to when this will be lifted. These closures came after the rumour mill saying there was hope for the Lincoln meeting. The start of the flat and one of the biggest days of the calendar. Even if it wasn't open for the general public, each owner would have allegedly received one badge per horse instead of the normal complimentary six.
A bigger blow was the Grand National being cancelled. This much-anticipated meeting due to the sheer number of tickets sold isn't happening.
People all had the same question on the tip of their tongues: will Tiger Roll complete the treble. Gordon Elliot has however said it's more than likely he will come back next year.
The impact of the coronavirus on racing has much backlash as not only are caterers losing money. The bigger chains of betting can take the hit. There's much concern for independent old-style bookmakers with their stands. As without punters, there's going to be economic issues. Also, there's a serious worry for the people in the yards as the media hysteria swirls as they simply have to turn up to work to look after the horses. The horses also are raring to go but can't.
With rumours of complete lockdown swirling around, people are wondering what this means for them and their work within stables. All the horses still need to be looked after.
There's also a big concern about the stabling bills and how these should be paid. Mick Easterby leading the way saying to owners bills are dropped by 30 percent.
This is a very uncertain time for everyone, even those who aren't in the industry. We can only hope that the racing will return as soon as it's safe to.
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