All horse racing fixtures in Ireland are set to be suspended after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a blanket ban on sporting events.
Horse Racing Ireland decided last week to continue holding fixtures behind closed doors under tightened restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, with the Taoiseach announcing this afternoon that events behind closed doors are also to be cancelled, racing will be suspended.
The latest measures come into effect from midnight and will be in place until at least April 19.
Speaking at the briefing Taoiseach Varadkar said: "We believe we need to do more to flatten the curve. People should stay at home if at all possible - this is the best way to slow the virus."
Racing went ahead at Clonmel today and the 5pm race will be the last held in Ireland for the foreseeable future.
Horse Racing Ireland chairman Nicky Hartery explained last week that the situation would remain under review and in line with government advice.
He said: “We have consulted with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine throughout this process and we will continue to strictly adhere to the Government and HSE advice.
"We have made it clear at all times that our medical facilities and personnel will be available for the Government to use if necessary – that will take precedence above any other consideration.”
Major sports such as GAA, soccer, rugby and basketball were all suspended earlier this month, while the Olympics and Paralympics have also been postponed.
Euro 2020 - which featured games in Dublin - has been pushed back until 2021.
Golf clubs have continued to operate with new measures put in place to promote social distancing.
The Golfing Union of Ireland has shut clubs in the north after the UK's lockdown announcement yesterday, and are set to issue a statement in reaction to the Taoiseach's latest address to the nation.
