This summer's Galway Festival will be held without any fans in attendance, as long as racing gets the go-ahead to resume.
The big Irish meeting is scheduled to take place between July 27 and August 2 and it is still hoped the event will be given the green light when it's deemed safe to do so by the authorities.
However, a decision has already been made that fans will not be able to attend and the meeting will take place behind closed doors, as countries continue to adapt and plan for sport due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, general manager Michael Moloney said: “In light of the evolving situation regarding Covid-19, for public health and safety reasons Galway Race Committee has reached the difficult but unavoidable decision that the 2020 Galway Races Summer Festival, due to be held from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2 will not be able to take place as an event open to the general public this year.
“We know this will be a huge disappointment for all our racegoers that attend year on year.
“It may prove possible to run the Galway Races behind closed doors, dependent on Government policy and the approval of Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board.
“This would be for the benefit of the racing industry, our valued partners and our television audiences at home and internationally. We are currently planning for this scenario and we will update you on progress as and when we can.”
All mass gatherings in Ireland have been restricted since March 24 and fresh guidelines issued by the health service are expected to be updated in the coming week.
