Cork manager staying upbeat despite blow of losing several big racedays

The loss of the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse because of the coronavirus pandemic is a headline blow to the sport, but just as grievous is the loss of Cork's Easter festival, which forms three of a number of racedays for the track that look likely to be cancelled over the next month while Irish racing is shut down.

Cork had already lost its annual student raceday on March 26, one of the first victims of the government's decision on Tuesday to cancel all sporting fixtures, including those behind closed doors, until at least April 19.

In addition to the Easter festival, running from April 11-13, there is a strong likelihood of Cork losing its meeting on April 24, with fears the two-day bank holiday meeting on May 8 and 9 may meet the same fate.