Topoverton Farmrace calledoff

The Overton Farm Point to Point has been axed after health concerns were sparked by the coronavirus outbreak.

Thousands were expected to flock to the popular Crossford Farm for the horse racing event – which last year brought over 4000 fans to Lanarkshire.

However, with fears growing over the spread of COVID-19 the committee have cancelled the 2020 event marking the first time in almost two decades the event has been called off.

In a statement released on social media, the committee said:“after careful consideration and consultation with appropriate authorities we regret to report we have taken the decision to cancel this year’s Overton Farm Point to Point.

“The committee feel the running of the fixture would be impossible to do safely given the current situation.

“It is extremely disappointing for all concerned and we can only look forward to welcoming you back to an even better 2021 fixture.”

They also asked the public to be patient while they went through the refund process.

Hospitality co-ordinater Maggie Young admitted the whole team were gutted to have to cancel the event this weekend.

“It’s very disappointing for us but the most important thing just now is the health of the public,”maggie told the Advertiser.

“We have managed to come through a lot of times where we have struggled with events with things like the weather, but we have never had to deal with something like this.

“It’s very sad for us that it has finally stopped, but we didn’t really have much option.”

Maggie also paid tribute to the great support the committee have had since taking the decision.

She continued:“everybody has been very kind and supportive. We have very loyal people who come to our event.

“It does have a financial impact on us, but now we start again and have a few new things that we can plan and try next year.

“We have a lot of plans for different things that the whole family can do.

“We really start planning for 2021 now.”