FROM hope last week that racing could continue behind closed doors, with the strictest of protocols in place, to the reality of a total shutdown has sadly come to pass. The ban lasts until April 19th at least, but with our political leaders acting swiftly in the face of an unprecedented challenge, we must hope that this current pandemic will be brought under control and we can return to action quickly.

The decision to continue racing met with some opposition, even within the ranks of our own community. While I understand people’s concerns, and acknowledge that human health is our absolute priority, we cannot become divorced from reality. No racing deprives many sectors in the wider industry of their life-blood. The economic repercussions are potentially immense.