All this weekend’s point-to-points have been cancelled due to concerns over the ability to enforce Covid-19 restrictions which are being observed at racemeetings.

A statement issued by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Friday afternoon said:

In this very challenging and evolving environment, with increased numbers of Covid-19 cases reported over the past 24 hours, the Stewards of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee have come to the difficult decision to call off all Point to Point meetings planned for this weekend.

Point to Point meetings differ in many respects from racing on the track, not least in terms of the ability to enforce a “behind closed doors” policy.

While it had been hoped that it would be possible for fixtures to go ahead under those conditions, it is the considered opinion of the Stewards that it may not be practicable in all respects to adhere to the strict social distancing protocols required, as will be enforced for all fixtures being staged at racecourses.

The Stewards acknowledge the great efforts which were invested by many in the hope that Point to Points could continue under strict protocols, and they wish to reassure the Point to Point community that the will and means are there to re-instate fixtures as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.