British horse racing suspended until end of April

Wednesday, 18 March 2020 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cnoc Sion ridden by jockey David Noonan (red hat) clear a fence during the Central Roofing Handicap Chase at Hereford Racecourse on Monday - PA

London (Reuters): British horse racing will be suspended until the end of April because of the spread of coronavirus, the British Horseracing Authority said.

“This is a national emergency the like of which most of us have never seen before. We’re a sport that is proud of its connection to rural communities and to the local businesses that support our industry,” said authority Chief Executive Nick Rust.

“But our first duty is to the health of the public, our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government’s latest advice.”