The Grand National Festival set for Aintree from Apr. 2 to 4 has been canceled. The Jockey Club deemed it “no longer appropriate” to stage the festival after the UK government announced heightened restrictions Monday evening on non-essential travel and mass gatherings.
“The Randox Health Grand National Festival was just three weeks away and it's very clear to us it will not be possible for the event to take place. Public health must come first,” said Sandy Dudgeon, senior steward of The Jockey Club. “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 [Monday] 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.”
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