Point fixtures go behind closed doors as coronavirus hits sport

The Covid-19 virus outbreak resulted in last weekend’s point-to-points at Ballyragget and Ballyarthur taking place behind closed doors.

It followed the decision taken by Horse Racing Ireland – which began at Dundalk on Friday evening – that will see all fixtures taking place until March 29 having to follow strict criteria in relation to those who will be in attendance.

There will be no catering services or on-course bookmakers and access will be restricted to essential service providers and industry participants only, including one groom per runner, and only riders and trainers with runners at the fixture allowed to attend.