Horse Racing Ireland have confirmed that meetings will continue, but behind closed doors.
HRI have say that although racing will continue, it will due so with severe restrictions.
The measures will remain in place until the government-appointed date of March 29.
The restrictions outlined by Horse Racing Ireland are:
- Race meetings will be closed to the public with recommended social distancing measures implemented on track
- Access will be restricted to essential service providers and industry participants
- There will be no catering services, on-course bookmakers or Tote services provided
- One groom per runner declared will be admitted to the racecourse
- One owner per runner will be admitted
- Only trainers of horses running at the meeting will be admitted
- All participants will be asked to vacate the racecourse after their horses have run
- Racing will continue to be made available to broadcasters as at present
HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh says of the measures, "It is important that horse racing acts responsibly and plays its part in the efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.
"That is why we are announcing, with immediate effect, that horse racing fixtures in Ireland will continue between now and March 29th, but will be run behind closed doors with very restrictive access.
"Race meetings will not be open to the public, in line with measures taken by other international racing jurisdictions, such as France, Hong Kong, Japan and Dubai.
"Public health is the number one priority and these restrictions will continue be kept under constant review as we liaise with our colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Health.
"The restrictions which we are announcing today will limit social interaction but will allow a vital rural industry to continue to operate, protecting livelihoods and jobs."
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