The 2020 Punchestown Festival has been cancelled in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced today.
The high-profile meeting, scheduled for April 28- May 2, has been scrapped, along with Fairyhouse's Irish Grand National this spring.
Horse racing chiefs made the call on Wednesday, which brought the Irish 2019/20 National Hunt season to an end.
Punchestown chief executive Conor O’Neill said: “The cancellation of the 2020 Punchestown Festival is of course very disappointing although in these unprecedented times it is certainly the appropriate decision.
"Above all, the health and safety of our visitors, clients, staff and participants is of paramount importance and that has been the key focus in the decision making process.
"These are very difficult times for everyone both from a business and a personal point of view and I would like to reassure all of our clients that we will offer a full refund policy."
Earlier today, the Horse Racing Ireland board discussed a strategy to enable racing to return, initially with Flat meetings behind closed doors.
A total of 10 fixtures were run with strict social distancing protocols in place last month.
An enhanced National Hunt programme from October to December 2020 is planned- and the 2020 BoyleSports Irish Grand National looks set to be included, moving from its Easter Monday slot.
The Irish government has banned all sporting events until April 19 in response to the worldwide health crisis.
