The remainder of the 2019-'20 point-to-point season has been cancelled. The news was confirmed by the Stewards of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee on Thursday afternoon.

A statement read: "With the continuing uncertainty around predicting a resumption date for sporting events, the decision was regrettably made to cancel all remaining scheduled fixtures for this season and end the season with immediate effect."

Paul Murtagh, Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee Registrar, said: “It is regrettable that we have had to come to the decision to end the current season and it is not one that was taken lightly, but without certainty regarding a date on which we could recommence the season the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee felt it was appropriate to give clarity to all industry stakeholders at the earliest possible opportunity.

“In the coming days we will seek to engage and consult with the stakeholders to consider their views and explore various options, such as the possibility of staging some bumper races for horses with hunter certificates as soon as sporting events can recommence and measures to enhance the Autumn 2020 programme of fixtures which may go some way to offset the loss of races this spring.”

He added that the INHSC Stewards would welcome stakeholders to convey their suggestions by email to huntercerts@ihrb.ie no later than April 12th. A further announcement will be made following the consultation process.

The early end to the point-to-point season means that Barry O'Neill wins The Irish Field Champion Rider trophy for the fourth consecutive season. Champion handler is Colin Bowe for the eighth time.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRITISH CHAMPION JOCKEY BRIAN HUGHES IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND