coronavirus continues to threaten major sporting events worldwide and could see the Tokyo Olympics moved from Japan or cancelled altogether.

Ireland’s Six Nations rugby clash with Italy was among the high profile events to be cancelled this week as Italy suddenly found itself as the European epicentre of the virus.

A final decision will be taken on the Olympics by May according to the International Olympic Committee. This week, Dick Pound of the IOC commented that if this virus is still a worldwide threat by then, the Olympics ‘would have to be cancelled’. Japan was quick to say they were more than ready to meet the coronavirus challenge.

For the first time ever, Ireland has three equestrian teams qualified to represent us at the Olympic Games and it’s hard to even consider that they may not get their chance to compete.

We are glad to report that it was very much business as usual in international equestrian sport this week with no disruptions to schedules in Europe, America or Qatar. Scott Brash spoke to The Irish Field at the five-star show in Doha, Qatar. Asked if he thought the virus could badly affect the sport, Brash said: “It could. I would expect Shanghai Global Champions Tour will be cancelled, but I haven’t heard anything.”

Breeding of sale-topper

Many apologies to all concerned as last week’s Clifden sales report inadvertently omitted the breeding details of the sale-topper. Consigned by Waterford’s Martin Curran, Glengowla Adam (Lot 9A) fetched €7,200 when bought by Ballinasloe’s Kieran Egan.

The six-year-old bay gelding is by Ross Fear Bui out of Glengowla Silver Lass. Ross Fear Bui (by Templebready Fear Bui out of Doorty Lucky Lady) stands in Swinford, Co Mayo, with Padraic Cafferty. We have amended the report online.