In light of the Irish Government ban on UK travel, Horse Racing Ireland has announced that no Irish-trained horses or Irish jockeys should go to the UK to compete between now and December 31st, the date the UK ban is due to expire.

Declarations for UK-trained horses to race in Ireland will not be accepted during that time. Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “The concern from Government is very clear: these are exceptional times and a travel ban with the UK is a once-in-a-generation occurrence.

“Irish racing has followed Government advice at all times during Covid-19 and will continue to do so. In that regard, we are advising that no Irish-trained horses or jockeys should travel to the UK for competition between now and December 31st, and no UK horses or jockeys should travel in the opposite direction.”

The travel ban rules Monalee out of the King George. The Henry de Bromhead-trained chaser had been trading at around 9/1 for the Kempton Grade 1. De Bromhead will also have to abandon plans to run last year's Arkle winner Put The Kettle On against Altior in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on the 27th.