Royal Ascot will be held behind closed doors if it goes ahead, it has been announced today.
Plans are being made for Flat racing's flagship meeting, due to be held from June 16-20, to be run without the public in attendance.
Customers who have already purchased tickets are entitled to a refund.
"For public health and safety reasons we have reached the difficult but unavoidable conclusion that Royal Ascot 2020 (16th - 20th June) will not be able to take place as an event open to the public," said Ascot Chief Executive Guy Henderson.
"This will of course be a great disappointment for everyone planning to attend.
"It may prove possible to run the Royal Ascot races behind closed doors, dependent on Government and public health policy and the approval of the BHA for us to restart racing.
"This would be for the benefit of the industry, our valued partners and suppliers and our television audiences at home and internationally.
"Planning for this is now our complete focus and we will update on progress as and when we can."
Customers will be contacted by racecourse staff to inform them of the decision.
It is expected to take some time due to the practical circumstances of the nation's health crisis.
"The pandemic will have a significant financial impact on our business in 2020, along with so many others," Henderson added:
"Nevertheless, Ascot Racecourse will come through this crisis and we look forward to being able to welcome racegoers back when it is safe to do so.
"Meanwhile, our thoughts are with all those grieving and suffering as a result of COVID-19.
"We offer heartfelt thanks to our wonderful NHS staff, key workers and volunteers for all their selfless dedication."
It was also announced this afternoon that the Derby and Guineas meetings, featuring the first four classic races of the season, will be rescheduled if possible.
