The Lowdown: news, going updates and racecards for today's racing

Today's news

• DECISION EXPLAINED: Nick Rust, the BHA chief executive, has explained the reasoning behind the decision to halt racing. Rust said that by stopping when it did, the sport could best protect the health of the public, participants and staff. The BHA was able to start work on an immediate response to the inevitable hardship that all businesses and employees will face.

• RATES BLOW: Betting shop operators have been dealt a "hammer blow" after it was revealed they will not be eligible for the business rates relief announced by the government this week in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

• SPEAKING OUT: Nick Alexander added his voice to trainers who have spoken out against this week’s total shutdown of racing by the BHA, calling it "premature" and asking for a rethink.

• MISSING MEYDAN:Aidan O'Brien will not be represented at this year's Dubai World Cup fixture over global travel concerns surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus. The Ballydoyle trainer was set to have a strong team for the meeting, including Investec Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck, globetrotting star mare Magic Wand and dual-Group 1-winning miler Circus Maximus.

Key links

Today's racecards
Today's non-runners
Today's free racing tipsLatest free bets

Today's meetings

**STAR MEETING**
Dundalk (first race 1.30)
Racing continues in Ireland behind closed doors at Dundalk where eight races are set to be held. Henry de Bromhead, fresh from two winners at last week's Cheltenham Festival, runs Aerclub, who looked a useful colt when winning on debut over course and distance. Read the preview here (2.00).

Going Standard
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Aerclub (2.00)

Key non-runners

Keep up to speed with today's non-runners and the latest changes with Raceday Live

Today's video

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