Our famous horse trials cancelled

THE Tattersalls International Horse Trials is the latest sporting event to fall foul of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers made the call following the the announcement of the Government’s latest restrictions on events and mass gatherings. The Meath event had been due to take place on May 27-31.

A statement from Tattarsalls Ireland confirmed the news.

‘Following on from the Government’s increasing Covid-19 public health restrictions we are sorry to announce that it is no longer possible to stage the Tattersalls International Horse Trials.

‘These are extraordinary and demanding times for everyone and the health and safety of all those that attend and are involved with Tattersalls remains our overriding priority. Please be assured that the Tattersalls International Horse Trials operates a refund policy and we will be in contact in due course with more information on how these will be processed accordingly.’

Horse racing fixtures were halted in the UK last week and will not resume before the start of May at the earliest while they continued behind closed doors in Ireland up until Tuesday.

‘This decision has not been taken lightly and we are conscious at all times of our dual responsibility to the requirements of the many stakeholders involved,’ Tattersalls Ireland added.

‘Tattersalls International Horse Trials would like to take this opportunity to thank and wish all of our regular participants, sponsors, exhibitors, supporters and volunteers well through this challenging time.’