Laytown cancels popular September fixture with concerns over social distancing
Laytown's annual fixture on the beach has been cancelled this year amid concerns over implementing social distancing.
With less than seven weeks to go until the once-a-year fixture on September 1, officials took the decision to cancel the popular event after discussions which included the local police.
The unique fixture attracted 6,204 people last year, a significant portion of which were overseas attendees, who would have to serve a 14-day quarantine period prior to attending the fixture under current Irish travel regulations relating to the coronavirus outbreak.
Due to its nature, trying to stage the meeting as a private event behind closed doors would raise its own difficulties and the fixture has been cancelled.
"As the health and safety of Laytown and Bettystown residents, sponsors, racegoers, jockeys, trainers, stable staff and racecourse staff is our number one priority, the committee had too many concerns about how we could implement social distancing during racing, especially on the beach and in the village."
He added: "After consultation with all the key stakeholders including the Gardai, Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body, the committee reached the very difficult decision to cancel our 2020 race meeting but we are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our 2021 race fixture."
The last occasion when the popular meeting did not take place was in 2002, when the stewards heard evidence from senior riders regarding a number of dangerous ridges, deciding the fixture could not go ahead in the interest of safety.
Racing first took place at Laytown in 1868.
The refund process will start immediately, although the committee would appreciate customers' patience during the refund process with the sales team currently working remotely due to the current government restrictions.
More to read:
Sharply away or left in the stalls: the winners and losers since racing resumed
It's July Cup glory for a Fallon at last as Cieren and Teal strike with Oxted
'He might be the best miler I've had' - Tregoning on Ascot winner Mohaather
Ghaiyyath strikes in Eclipse as Enable goes down fighting at Sandown
Donnacha O'Brien outdoes his dad to land a Classic in first year as a trainer
'He had it won in two strides' – Gosden's Mishriff powers home in French Derby
Serpentine stuns Derby rivals for O'Brien to win a race as strange as the day
'She couldn't have been any more impressive' – Love a class apart in the Oaks
Subscribe to Members' Club Ultimate and watch unlimited video replays of every UK and Irish race. For more information visit racingpost.com/members-club
Published on 14 July 2020inNews
Last updated 17:07, 14 July 2020
- 'My career has been marked by some great moments of joy' - modern master Olivier Peslier to retire on Thursday
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- 'My career has been marked by some great moments of joy' - modern master Olivier Peslier to retire on Thursday
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement