The Grand National has been cancelled due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
This year’s meeting of the world’s most famous steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse had been due to take place between April 2 and 4.
But the spread of Covid-19 has put paid to the National’s three-day festival taking place for the first time in its entire 181-year history.
The Jockey Club confirmed the news on Monday following health guidelines set out by the Government about social contact and non-essential travel.
Emergency services will not be supporting mass gatherings from Tuesday, prompting organisers to deem hosting the event ‘no longer appropriate’.
Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “The Randox Health Grand National Festival was just three weeks away and it’s very clear to us it will not be possible for the event to take place. Public health must come first.
“We were working on a plan to stage the Grand National behind closed doors given its importance to the racing industry and beyond.
“But following the new Government measures confirmed this evening to help to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, this is not a viable option.
“I know this is hugely disappointing news for the many people who work in our sport and the many millions who were looking forward to this year’s event.
“But very sadly these are exceptional times and this is the responsible thing to do.”