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Horse Racing Ireland have officially confirmed the end of the 2019-2020 jumps season, with none of the major fixtures to be rescheduled.
After cancelling racing prior to the Punchestown Festival, HRI officials have also decided that this month’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse – due to be run on April 13 – will also not take place.
As of yet, racing bosses are unable to name a date for when racing in Ireland might return, but this year’s cancellations are expected to lead to a bumper Autumn period of National Hunt action.
There is likely to be an enhanced programme of races later in the year, with the Irish Grand National being tipped to be rescheduled during that time, although no new date has yet been set.
HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said on Wednesday: “While the conclusion of the National Hunt season is a major blow for that sector and jump racing enthusiasts, in making an early decision we want to give as much certainty as possible to owners and trainers and this plan will allow winter National Hunt horses to take advantage of summer grass, reducing the costs for National Hunt owners, with the knowledge of an enhanced programme to come for them from the autumn onwards, circumstances permitting.”
The jump championships will be decided as of the meeting at Clonmel on March 24, which means Willie Mullins and Paul Townend retain their respective trainer and jockey titles.
