Laytown rescheduled for November after concerns over implementing Covid rules

Laytown's once-a-year beach meeting has been rescheduled for November 1 after concerns over how government guidelines could be implemented if the event took place in its customary September slot.

It will be the first time the popular meeting has been held since 2019 after it was cancelled last year due to fears over how social distancing policies could be adhered to.

Laytown manager Kevin Coleman said last monthofficials were determined to stage the 2021 fixture and details emerged on Friday morning from Horse Racing Ireland.

"Laytown Races is in a unique position as we race under temporary facilities and our racetrack, on the beach, is open to the public," said chairman Joe Collins.

"After consultation with all key stakeholders, there were still some concerns about how we could implement the government guidelines next month, especially on the beach.

"I would like to thank Horse Racing Ireland and the IHRB for their help in rescheduling and we look forward to racing on Monday November 1."

There were 6,204 people at the meeting in 2019, but Coleman recently suggested there will be no corporate hospitality at this year's event.

Current government guidelines surrounding outdoor gatherings in Ireland allow for 500 people at a venue that can typically accommodate 5,000.

The last occasion before 2020 that Laytown did not take place was in 2002, when the stewards heard evidence from senior riders regarding a number of dangerous ridges and decided the fixture could not go ahead in the interests of safety.

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