Coronavirus: Barbury Racecourse loses second point-to-point as season is shut down
Point-to-point racing in Britain has been shut down for the 2019-20 season - due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The move was announced in a statement by the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) on Tuesday (March17).
It means the popular Tedworth Hunt meeting at Barbury Racecourse, near Marlborough, on Sunday, April 5 will not now take place.
The fixture was due to be the last of the Sandhurst Area's three meetings this season with the Vine & Craven Hunt meeting at Barbury being abandoned in February because of Storm Ciara, while the Kimblewick Hunt yesterday called off their card at Kingston Blount in Oxfordshire on Sunday, March 29 due to coronavirus.
The statement read: "This is a formal announcement to confirm that the British point-to-point season is closed for this season. This was a very difficult decision to make recognising that many people's livelihoods are involved."
"However, the Prime Minister's words last night made clear that everyone should minimise social contact and non-essential travel. Furthermore, our sport creates some medical burden, both on the course and potentially at the hospitals, where it would be unwelcome under the current circumstances."
"The PPA would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so hard to keep this season going so successfully until now, often under very trying circumstances."
"We will now be working on preparations to ensure that we start next autumn in the same successful manner as last, and will soon be in touch with many of you for your thoughts and ideas."