Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Punchestown CEO Conor O'Neill admits being 'very disappointed' that their festival meeting has been cancelled this year but fully supports the decision to make the call today.
The season-ending meeting was due to start on Tuesday April 28th and run for five days.
HRI revealed today, however, that the National Hunt season in Ireland has been ended with immediate effect and the festival will not be rescheduled.
“It's very disappointing that the festival won't take place this year but with the current circumstances the safety and well being of staff, clients and participants is paramount,” said O'Neill.
“Obviously that was the key focus in the decision making process.
“In light of the circumstances, while it's very disappointing for all concerned, I do think it is the right decision and we all look forward to better days ahead when we get through this current crisis.”
A statement on the racecourse's website read:-
Speaking on behalf of Punchestown Racecourse, CEO Conor O’Neill said “The cancellation of the 2020 Punchestown Festival is of course very disappointing although in these unprecedented times it is certainly the appropriate decision. Above all, the health and safety of our visitors, clients, staff and participants is of paramount importance and that has been the key focus in the decision making process. These are very difficult times for everyone both from a business and a personal point of view and I would like to reassure all of our clients that we will offer a full refund policy.
O’Neill continued “On behalf of the directors, management and staff of Punchestown Racecourse, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those that have supported us from our sponsors and clients to the racing industry and the community of Kildare and beyond. In particular, thank you for your patience over the past number of weeks which has enabled us to work in conjunction with Horse Racing Ireland and the relevant government authorities as we have continuously monitored and assessed the feasibility of various scenarios before ultimately making the decision to cancel the event in its entirety. In these difficult and challenging times we send our support and best wishes to all and together we can look forward to better days ahead”.
