IRISH racing has been dealt a hammer blow after it was confirmed NONE of their runners can travel for the King George Chase on Boxing Day.
Monalee is among the star names to miss out on the Kempton Christmas meet.
It comes after Ireland extended its travel ban on Britain until December 31 in light of the new mutant strain of coronavirus.
Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: “Based on the government’s policy, HRI has instructed that there will be no Irish runners in the UK or UK runners in Ireland between now and December 31.
“The only exceptions to that ban are for essential supply chains and services.
“It’s unfortunate but there are bigger issues at play. However it was pleasing that the government did announce that racing will continue behind closed doors, which gives us some certainty.”
More to follow.
