The Grand National has been cancelled, with the Aintree event now off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It was set to take place on Saturday April 4 but the big race has become the latest sporting event to be called off because of the outbreak of the virus.
It denies Tiger Roll the chance to make it three wins in a row, which would have seen him join legendary Red Rum as the most successful horse at the iconic race.
There are also doubts about whether both Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead as planned.
With the peak likely to be in about three months, there could be yet more disruption to the sporting calendar in the coming weeks.
(Image: Getty Images)
Sandy Dudgeon, senior steward of the Jockey Club, said: “The Randox Health Grand National festival was just three weeks away and it is very clear to us it will not be possible for the event to take place. Public health must come first.
“We were working on a plan to stage the Grand National behind closed doors given its importance to the racing industry and beyond, but following the new government measures confirmed this evening to help to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, this is not a viable option.
“I know this is hugely disappointing news for the many people who work in our sport and the many millions who were looking forward to this year’s event, but very sadly these are exceptional times and this is the responsible thing to do.”
There will be more to follow.
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